When I've Fallen and Can't Get Up Because of Parkinson's Disease

How many times have you had a chuckle over the bad acting in the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” commercial? I know I have had a few laughs while watching it. Perhaps it was a protective reaction since none of us like to face what might be a real possibility if we live long enough.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Monday morning at 3:00 a.m., that commercial became reality for me. It was echoing in my head as I lay on the cold, hard tile floor of the bathroom. Never in my life had I felt so lonely, so full of hopelessness and despair. I had gotten out of bed to use the bathroom and next thing I know, I lost my balance and my head hit the tile floor with a resounding thud. As I lay there, I broke out into a cold sweat, was nauseous and knew I was bleeding from the head but I couldn’t move. After a while, I dragged myself to get back into bed, trying to decide if I should call 911.

Since the bleeding stopped, my vision was OK and I was no longer dizzy, I chose not to call for help. The next day my cousin, one of the most knowledgeable nurses I have ever known, came over and checked me out. I have said before, I will always be lonely, but I will never be alone since I have such caring and loving people in my life.

I believe I am OK, however, I also believe this is a wake-up call for me regarding my health. The time has come for me to accept that I cannot fight Parkinson’s disease any longer on my own without medications.  My hope is that the medications will alleviate some of my symptoms such as lack of motivation and depression so I can focus more on exercise, which I firmly believe is the best way to fight the progression and symptoms of this disease.

Follow this journey on Slipped Away.

Photo by Life Alert.