How does one deal with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of forty-three? My Degeneration, by former Anchorage Daily News staff cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohl, answers the question with humor and passion, recounting the author’s attempt to come to grips with the “malicious whimsy” of this chronic, progressive, and disabling disease. This graphic novel tracks Dunlap-Shohl’s journey through depression, the worsening symptoms of the disease, the juggling of medications and their side effects, the impact on relations with family and community, and the raft of mental and physical changes wrought by the malady. My Degeneration examines the current state of Parkinson’s care, including doctor/patient relations and the repercussions of a disease that, among other things, impairs movement, can rob patients of their ability to speak or write, degrades sufferers’ ability to deal with complexity, and interferes with the sense of balance. Readers learn what it’s like to undergo a dramatic, demanding, and audacious bit of high-tech brain surgery that can mysteriously restore much of a patient’s control over symptoms. But My Degeneration is more than a Parkinson’s memoir. Dunlap-Shohl gives the person newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease the information necessary to cope with it on a day-to-day basis. He chronicles the changes that life with the disease can bring to the way one sees the world and the way one is seen by the wider community. Dunlap-Shohl imparts a realistic basis for hope—hope not only to carry on, but to enjoy a decent quality of life.

I have had Parkinson's disease (PD) for twenty-two years. I am told I have a mild case, but it is still my PD and I live with it 24/7. I would be a gross understatement to say my life was changed forever. Interesting, many of these changes have made me a more compassionate, empathetic, and caring person. In part, this book was motivated by the following premise: Many of us will experience a life-changing event that will cause us to pause and reassess where we are, what we do, and why we do it. For some, it might be the death of a loved one or a personal tragedy. Or it might be a re-awakening-that aha moment. For me, it was January 2, 1995, when my neurologist said, "Mr. Spekman, I have some bad news for you-you have Parkinson's." My life as it knew it crumpled around me. I could have wallowed in self-pity, but I am a fighter and chose eventually to manage my PD. I have adopted a number of Eastern non-traditional approached to deal with my PD. I have a yoga practice, meditate daily, and engage in massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments. All these different approaches complement my medication, and all contribute to my being very healthy, given the length of time I have had Parkinson's. I will take you on a journey, my journey, starting with denial to depression to, finally, acceptance. This book is more than the story of one man's journey with PD; it is a story of hope and personal transformation. If you permit me, I am going to take you on a journey that began over two decades ago. I have years to travel so do not ask where the destination is or ask if we are there yet. During the course of this book, I will share with you aspects of my life that were previously know to only a small number of people. It is through this intimacy that you will come to better understand and hopefully better deal with adversity that might affect your life.

My book is about an eight-year journey of getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. I have ten to eleven years of experience working as a physical therapist assistant. I have experience in water, hospital, and nursing home while battling this condition. I have had to plead my own disability case and, after being awarded my back pay, found the treatment of choice, which is stem cell. I am the first person in West Tennessee to have this treatment. The stem cell treatment stops the progression of the disease and the symptoms. While waiting to get the stem cell treatment, I used my experience as a physical therapist assistant to help control my symptoms such as line dancing, playing cards, and swimming that stopped the tremor. My hope is that my journey and experiences will help other people who are dealing with Parkinson’s disease and similar conditions and to get the awareness out to the community.

-Do only old people get Parkinson's?-Are tremors the leading symptoms of Parkinson's?-Does Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) help?The author answers these questions and many more through his personal stories and experiences. A Parkinson's patient for the last six years, he takes us through his emotional and physical journey about living with Parkinson's.The book serves as an excellent handbook for newly diagnosed and existing patients, care partners and family members. Written from a patient's point of view, the book is a quick read for all who want to familiarize themselves with the disease. This also gives the practicing doctors and health workers an insight into the thoughts, emotions and expectations of Parkinson's patients.Some of the questions such as how does one emotionally cope with the diagnosis of a critical illness or how does one communicate the diagnosis to one's near and dear ones are faced by not only Parkinson's but all the patients diagnosed with a critical illness.This perhaps is the first book written by a Parkinson's patient in India. The author believes that the socio-cultural context makes a significant difference in the way one responds to an illness.A book that is both absorbing and informative...

It was a student's observation about Dr. Case Boot's small writing on the chalk board that first made him aware of his Parkinson's symptoms. Since being diagnosed, Professor of Linguistics Emeritus at Dordt College Dr. Case Boot has learned to walk the journey of Parkinson's and is now sharing his experiences in his new book, Sharing the Road. "My intent with this book is to help others by sharing the story of God's faithfulness to me, to provide information about Parkinson's and how to live with it positively, and to encourage family and friends and those who have Parkinson's disease. This book is my way of responding to the Lord's call to serve Him and others," said Boot in the book's introduction. The book details the symptoms of the disease and shares several treatment options that are available. Boot also explains some of the unusual behaviors of people with the disease and helps readers think about how they should respond. In addition, Boot is honest about the difficulties of coming to terms with the disease. "Parkinson's is not a death sentence but an invitation and a challenge to a new and unfamiliar lifestyle," he says.

A candid look at Parkinson's Disease from a patient's point of view. It is often said that you do not realize what you have until it is gone. This sentiment has never meant more to me than when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. This book is an overview of my life before Parkinson's Disease, what it is like living with PD, and my decision regarding Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery. If you have Parkinson's Disease or know someone that does, this book is for you. I am not one to sit around and do nothing. When I accepted I had Parkinson's Disease I decided to help raise money to find a cure. My company is Drive Away Parkinsons. We work with the Michael J Fox Foundation as a Team Fox member. See how we got started in this book..

• Do only old people get Parkinson’s? • Are tremors the leading symptoms of Parkinson’s? • Does Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) help? The author answers these questions and many more through his personal stories and experiences. A Parkinson’s patient for the last six years, he takes us through his emotional and physical journey about living with Parkinson’s. The book serves as an excellent handbook for newly diagnosed and existing patients, care partners and family members. Written from a patient’s point of view, the book is a quick read for all who want to familiarize themselves with the disease. This also gives the practicing doctors and health workers an insight into the thoughts, emotions and expectations of Parkinson’s patients. Some of the questions such as how does one emotionally cope with the diagnosis of a critical illness or how does one communicate the diagnosis to one’s near and dear ones are faced by not only Parkinson’s but all the patients diagnosed with a critical illness. This perhaps is the first book written by a Parkinson’s patient in India. The author believes that the socio-cultural context makes a significant difference in the way one responds to an illness. A book that is both absorbing and informative…