Sad News

I have finally reached a decision, and we will not be attending the Parkinson's Unity Walk this year because of my declining heath. I am praying the specialists will find the cause of this bacteria in my stomach and colon and be able to cure it. Placing me on high doses of antibiotics is just a band-aid and it works temporarily and then hits me again. I have lost 35 pounds so far and lost my muscles and it has weakened me, creating havoc on my balance and Parkinson's Disease.

My Health

Having Parkinson's is troubling, especially when other illnesses arise. It has been quite a few months of being ill and finally I am beginning to feel better. I am up to 106 pounds now. Quite weak, but at least it is a new beginning.
 Being so weak from all of the weight loss and then getting Phemonia on top of it, really set me back. It has been a struggle, but with God's help  and my determination, I will get back to being myself again.My doctor wants me to gain some more weight and after a few months  if I improve, begin physical therapy. I have lost most of my muscles  and I need it, especially having Parkinson's disease.
My downfall is being impatient, but I will do whatever the doctor tells me to do, in order to get well. I have to return to Shands Hospital in March for  more tests and to see if I have more bacteria  in my colon and stomach.
I want to thank you for the many cards and get well wishes.
Hopefully we will begin traveling again by summer.
God Bless!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas is a time

when special people come to mind,

people who warm hearts

with the kindness they show,

who make together times so memorable

whether you see them

once a month or once a year…

people who make friendship

such an enjoyable, wonderful experience…

unforgettable people like you!

May you and your family have a Wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Margie

Parkinson's Disease can be trying at times, but when other health issues appear, it can be a double wammy

Having Parkinson's Disease can be trying at times, but when other health issues appear, it can be a double wammy. I have malabsorption, diarhea, lose of weight and weak. I have had an endoscopic, colonoscopy, my  gall bladder tested , plus many blood tests. My GI doctor, Dr. Gita Koshy states that I have bile in my colon and stomach area as well as sores and an infection showing bacteria. The pathology report stated the bacteria is unknown. On November 15, 2011, I am going to Shands in Gainesville for the GI doctor to try to help me.
In the meantime I am doing my best to keep my spirits up . I have lost almost 30 pounds. I am so thankful to have such a loving husband.  On my down days, my husband, Larry  will take us ( my service dog and me) on a short trip in our RV to keep my spirits up. Thankfully, I have the luxuries of home with a bathroom and bed, and my chair is a recliner.
Although I have more down days than good, I am truly blessed. I will keep all updated.
Prayers are requested.
God Bless,
Margie

Parkinson's Unity Walk and My Health

We have traveled to New Brunswick, Canada visiting the East Coast during the fall of 2010 and then we traveled to the West Coast, this past summer. Our plans have been delayed due to my health issues and many tests being conducted as I write.I have lost a total of 28 pounds in the past few months with Diarrhea and etc.  I am praying that I will be well enough to go to the Parkinson''s Unity Walk in April 2012. Fortunately we have an RV, so I can rest  when we travel and most importantly, a bathroom.  We also take my power chair with us.  Having Parkinson's disease and this medical problem that I have dealt with over the last few years, has become worse and  is really taking a toll on me over the past few months.  Although being in pain all of the time is not the best thing to deal with, but I try to put a smile on my face and  appreciate the beauty of the people and places life leads us. Thankfully my husband does the driving and  helps me do all of the things I am unable to do. God has blessed  me with a loving family, my service dog and  being  fortunate enough to have an RV, making the comforts of home,  a little easier.

Our Big Plans are focused on the Parkinson's Unity Walk held annually in April of each year. Our goal is to attend.
I have formed a team called, "RVing with Parkinson's Disease ", and am looking for anyone to join our team for the Unity Walk. You do not have to own an RV. Our goal has been, "Parkinson's Awareness."

If you are unable to travel during that time frame but would like to participate by donating, all of the funds are tax deductible since the Parkinson's Unity Walk is a non-profit organization, and  100% of all donations go to research  for Parkinson's Disease.
To donate, please go to:
 http://www.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=487830&lis=1&kntae487830=041F90B2EDDD4591B465CCC8CE9D6673&team=4819574&tlteam=0

I pray with the donations , a cure will be found and if not,  a better treatment for all of us that endure this disease.

If you have any concerns or questions, please e-mail me at: mswope99@gmail.com

God Bless,
Margaret (Margie)

We Are Home!

What a wonderful trip. I can't help but feel so blessed! We met so many friendly people during our travels. I also want to thank my friends for staying in touch with me, as we traveled.
I am so thankful to God,  for keeping me well enough so that I could visit parts of the United States, even though we had to return earlier than  planned, my health was beginning to decline, it was time to the doctor.
For those of you who have visited my blog, and those who have heard me spread the word about Parkinson's Disease, Thank You ! My wishes are to find a cure, or a better treatment for our disease, and  at the very least slow PD down. May God be with you and keep your spirits high and keep  fighting this thing we call PD (Parkinson's Disease).
I hope to have more adventures in the coming months.


God Bless,
Margie

Sioux City, Iowa and Coming, Missouri

We were forced to detour over 80 miles because of the flooding when we left Sioux City, Iowa. The roads and bridges were washed out.

Coming, Missouri.

It had receded one foot in several weeks.

The water flooded farms, equipment, ruined the crops and their homes under water. A Levee broke up North and flooded the entire area. They  had to break their own levee to have the water run through. The water was flowing very fast. Please say a prayer for the people who have  gone through this disaster.