4835

Big class at PD exercise session today. There were new and old faces. A few people who haven't been there in a while and a few who were there for the first time. I felt a bit depressed at seeing so many people so far along with the symptoms. One man, M, froze up during the session and was virtually immobile for quite some time. M is not all that old, but he's had symptoms for a while. He also takes a bunch of medications, which doesn't help the situation. He usually comes with a care giver, but drove himself today. So, he was stuck until he could get unfrozen--enough to drive himself back home.

P, a big lumbering guy, has had DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), but he's a menace to himself and others. He flails around, tries to move too quickly, and ends up nearly or actually falling over. He must be a riot at home. His wife seems really patient. She lets him do his thing even though it's a bit scary to watch.

Most of the people today did not have care givers with them (although some may have dropped people off and would return at the end of class). I ended up thinking a lot about care givers versus being on my own like I am. I couldn't help but put myself into M's shoes and wonder what I would do (will do) if I end up with issues like his. Not a comforting thought!

Plan to drive down and visit with my daughter and the new grandkid tomorrow. Don't have a PD dance class (alas!) so day is free. She'll be three weeks old! 21 days since she arrived! PD class will not resume until late March or early April. Will miss the dancing/moving that we were doing.