When Life Gives You Parkinson's – Details, episodes & analysis

In this bittersweet finale of "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over 124 episodes. From the very first episode to this one, we've laughed, cried, and learned together. Countless guests have graced our show, sharing their stories, insights, and expertise, making each episode a treasure trove of knowledge and connection. Hosts Larry and Rebecca take a moment to express gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success of the podcast. Whether you've been a guest, a listener, or a supporter, your presence has made a difference. Through the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, we've built a community bound by a shared mission: to raise awareness, offer support, and ultimately find a cure for Parkinson's disease. As we bid farewell to "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," we carry with us the memories, the laughter, and the friendships forged along the way. Thank you, everyone, for being part of this incredible journey. Though this may be the final episode, the impact of our collective efforts will continue to resonate far beyond the confines of this podcast. From all of us at "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," thank you, and be well. EMAIL US: Larry@PDAvengers.com JOIN PD AVENGERS: www.pdavengers.com Thanks to Rebecca Gifford, Niki Reitmayer, Chris Duncombe, Dila Velazquez, Rob Johnson, Greg Schott, and Corus Entertain. Special thanks to Parkinson Canada who has been there supporting the podcast since the beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of "When Life Gives You Parkinson’s," Larry Gifford shares insights into his Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) journey alongside his partner, Rebecca Gifford. Larry expresses excitement about the positive impact of DBS on his symptoms, noting improvements in walking, voice, and overall confidence. He recommends Dr. Jon Stamford’s new DBS DIARY for a comprehensive view of the DBS dilemma. The episode features an interview with Brian Pepin, CEO of Rune Labs, the technological interface for Medtronic's DBS system. For those considering DBS, Larry invites questions through the show notes or via email. The podcast, a production of Curiouscast, is sponsored by PD Avengers, urging listeners to participate in SparktheNight.org and share the podcast for Parkinson’s awareness. The episode concludes with a reminder to stay positive, exercise, and keep listening until the next installment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The banner headline on the homepage of the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s website reads “Breaking News: Parkinson’s Disease Biomarker Found.” It sounds exciting, but what does it really mean? Debi Brooks, CEO and cofounder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, joins Larry Gifford for a chat about what she says is the most important finding the Foundation has discovered in its history. It is already changing the way researchers recruit for some studies. It will lead to faster diagnosis, more customized and personalized treatment, faster, cheaper, more targeted pharmaceuticals, and ultimately it is another step closer to stopping Parkinson's in its tracks. Important Links The Lancet Neurology Article The Michael J. Fox Foundation Coverage of the Biomarker PPMI: The Study That's Changing Everything STAT Article featuring Michael J. Fox's reaction Michael J. Fox Op-Ed for STAT The Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada... where people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything they do. Parkinson Canada funds critical research, provides information and support, increases awareness and advocates for improved healthcare outcomes for people with Parkinson's across Canada. Learn more at Parkinson.ca Thank you to our promotional partners Spotlight YOPD PD Avengers World Parkinson Congress 2023 in Barcelona Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes will be release every other Wednesday. In between, Niki and I will share new information, original interviews and extra material that provide more context to topics raised in the previous episodes of the podcast. We’ll also answer your questions. Feel free to write us with questions at parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in August 2017. I haven’t seen my brothers Bruce and Dan or my sister Tracy since I received the news. That changed on January 31, 2019. Our Mom, who lives in Florida, invited us all down to stay in a beach house on Anna Marie Island on the Gulf Coast near Tampa. My siblings arrived separately along with some of their kids who now have their own kids. There were 18 of us in total. I was nervous. We haven’t vacationed together in 20 years. When we do get together for holidays or special events it is separated by years and we’re only together for a few hours at a time. And still, inevitably, someone ends up crying. But even before the family reunion part, I was nervous about flying. Vancouver B.C. to Tampa, Florida with a stop in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a long stretch of flying. I was concerned about timing my medication correctly as we skipped through time zones. I was certain my feet and legs would cramp and stiffen on the flight. This would be my first time traveling with walking sticks. And what if I start to tremor? What if I have an anxiety attack in the airport? What if… Deep breath. I can tell you now the anticipation was far more anxious than the trip. Everything was great. Here’s how I handled the airport. I wanted to be comfortable and confident, so I wore layers of loose fitting clothing including a shirt with a pocket for easy access to my passport and boarding pass. I used a backpack for carry-on items including a book, phone chargers, water, healthy snacks, and lots of Levodopa. (Do not pack your meds in checked baggage. I was happy to have it with me when we ran into seven hours of delays on our return trip.) Anytime I am in crowds, I use my walking sticks, so they came along for the ride too. When we checked in at the airline counter, I alerted them that I have Parkinson’s and would like to have a wheel chair or golf cart assistance at my layover in Minneapolis. I wanted to make sure I made the connection and didn’t exhaust myself traversing through four concourses. I also traveled with my wife and son, which gave me extra eyes and ears and peace of mind if I lost focus or became disoriented maneuvering the airport hallways and crowds. We always opted to pre-board to take extra time to get on board and get settled. Once on the plane, I sat in the aisle seat to give myself quick access to stand up if I started to feel cramping or an urgent need to use the facilities. I collapsed my walking sticks and put them in the overhead storage. I stretched my feet and legs as much as possible during the flight and drank water to stay hydrated. The days we flew were long days, and my pill schedule was out of whack a bit, but I was able to take it in stride and slept like a baby each of those nights. The reunion was great. Lots of stories, laughter and reconnecting. On this episode, you’ll hear more of my journey to Florida including a stop at Universal Studios and our attempt to get an Attraction Assistance Pass (AAP) to avoid long lines and a discussion with my brothers, sister and me. I ask them what it’s like seeing me in the flesh with Parkinson’s, how PD has impacted them and their families, and we try to recalibrate our relationships with each other. They also pepper me with a couple behind the scenes podcast questions you might enjoy.  If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us:parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmayer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Special thanks to Bruce Gifford, Dan Gifford, Tracy Cherry, Marty Gifford, and Rebecca Gifford For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s we explore the role of the caregiver. Seeing as I’m a person with Parkinson’s and not a caregiver, my caregiver and wife Rebecca is featured prominently along with my co-host Niki Reitmayer and other caregivers Noel MacDonald and John Parkhurst. At the end of the episode, I chime in with a quick interview with Dr. Robert Duff about what caregivers need to do to make sure they’re taking care of themselves. At the end of the episode, Niki mentions a few resources for caregivers from Parkinson Canada which can be found here:   Caregiving Webinar https://vimeo.com/168664929 Caregiver “Am I in Balance?” worksheet https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Am-I-in-balance-taking-care.pdf Aside from being a wife, caregiver, mom, home school teacher, family chef and chauffeur, Rebecca is a writer. In fact, she’s a great writer. This week, for the podcast notes, I invited her to put pen to paper to express in her own words what it means to be a caregiver to someone with Parkinson’s.   The following is written by Rebecca Gifford, caregiver and wife of Larry Gifford   It happens all the time, all over the world. Two people love each other. You build a relationship, a partnership, and ultimately share a commitment and a life. You grow and make plans, hopeful for the future. Somewhere in the back of your head you know that something could happen that feels like the universe having a good chuckle at your expectations. It’s easy to dismiss these thoughts as “not right now” or “perhaps when we’re older.” Then one day you hear a faint belly laugh. One of you is diagnosed with something frightening, and everything changes. Of course everything shifts for the person with the disease, but the changes are as profound for those closest to them. Just as all families who are faced with a diagnosis do, we discovered a new path the day Larry was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As his partner and wife, when it appeared before me I took his hand so we can walk it together. Sometimes it is joyful and beautiful—the opportunity to tell our story, to make a difference and connect with a remarkable community; the opportunity to offer life-shaping lessons to our son; a chance to clarify, simplify and rebalance our life. Sometimes it is sad or infuriating or frightening—grieving our pre-PD life, seeking balance in an ever-changing situation, adjusting to Larry’s uneven physical and energetic capacities, shifting the balance of our parenting roles, and facing endless uncertainty. Larry and I are reexamining and redefining our roles in our marriage, knowing we likely will need to do this again and again as the disease progresses. We are re-prioritizing our daily lives, while also discovering that often self-care means we can’t meet the expectations of those around us, including each other. And on and on. Those who have been partners of people with Parkinson’s for much longer than I have know that the above lists will get much longer before the food truck pulls away. For us and so many, the growing pains are real. We all know that everyone’s journey is different. But as partners and most trusted caregivers, we have a front row seat for our loved one’s experience. We may not be experiencing the disease directly, but we have an important role. We aren’t just helpers, healers and emotional support. We are the witnesses, the observers. We see their highs and lows, are inspired by their strength and humor, and are empathetic to their worries and grief. We are sitting beside them as they drive the rollercoaster, an extra pair of eyes and ears on the track. This can be just as challenging, but also just as enlightening. We can and are supporting them and choosing the spot beside our dear ones. Our journey isn’t easy, but it’s full of all the thrills and lessons that a rich life brings.   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Noel MacDonald, Marty Gifford, John Parkhurst, Dr. Robert Duff from The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych Twitter:https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych And special thanks to my wife and caregiver Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes will be release every other Wednesday. In between, Niki and I will share new information, original interviews and extra material that provide more context to topics raised in the previous episodes of the podcast. We’ll also answer your questions. Feel free to write us with questions at parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca.   Parkinson’s doesn’t necessarily lead to cognitive impairment, but it can. The threat alone though makes  think that every time I forget a word, have trouble with complex issues or can’t complete my Sudoku that I might be leaking brain power. Likely, I’m just freaking myself out. However, for peace of mind, there are ways to monitor and test cognitive function. I know in one my less grounded moments of perceived cognition erosion, my neurologist ran me through a battery of memory exercises. I checked out fine. Additionally, there neuropsychologists who work with neurologists to help evaluate cognitive abilities. Dr. Robert Duff, host of the Hard Core Self Help podcast, is a neuropsychologist who works with Parkinson’s patients on a regular basis. In this Extra Dosage, Dr. Duff and I speak candidly about Parkinson’s possible impact on the brain, mental health issues with Parkinson’s, what people can expect if going through a battery of neuropsych tests, and what he’s learned about PD after treating hundreds of patients. Additionally, he explains why it might be beneficial for everyone with Parkinson’s to take up a new hobby.   If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Special thanks to Dr. Robert Duff from The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych Twitter: https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych   For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Niki and I talk to my colleagues and bosses about how their adjusting to my PD diagnosis, get advice from my neurologist Dr. Jonathon Squires, Neuropsychologist Dr. Robert Duff, and employment lawyer Lior Samfiru. I also chat with Jim Redmond about being a teacher with PD and Jonny Acheson about adjustments he’s had to make as an emergency room doctor who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Kathryn Stewart, Dustin Collins, Dr. Jonathon Squires, Jim Redmond, Jonny Acheson, and Troy Reeb. Also Thank you to @SickboyPodcast – check them out here http://sickboypodcast.com/ Follow them on Twitter Brian Stever                     @SteverBrian Taylor MacGillvary           @Taymacgillivary Jeremie Saunders           @JeremieSaunders Dr. Robert Duff from The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/duffthepsych Twitter:https://twitter.com/DuffThePsych Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/duffthepsych/ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/duffthepsych   Lior Samfiru B. A. (hons.), LL.B., partner Samfiru Tumarkin LLP Website: www.stlawyers.ca   Twitter: https://twitter.com/stlawyers And special thanks to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ Here is a link to an article about Young Onset Parkinson’s which also discusses employment The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a special bonus episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s which we are calling “Extra Dosage.” Full episodes will be release every other Wednesday. In between, Niki and I will share new information, original interviews and extra material that provide more context to topics raised in the previous episodes of the podcast. We’ll also answer your questions. Feel free to write us with questions at parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca.   One of the main intentions behind this podcast was to demystify the Parkinson’s experience by sharing my story, the stories of people I meet along my journey and encourage others to share their Parkinson’s stories.  When we share stories, we raise awareness of Parkinson’s, which attracts more donor dollars, to do more research, which hopefully one day will lead to finding a cure. I am encouraged from the responses I have received and am happy to report that as a community, those of us with Parkinson’s are sharing more of what we’re going through. To that end, in this Extra Dosage episode, I want to introduce you to Jim Richmond. Jim, 47, is a high school teacher and volleyball coach. He was diagnosed three years ago. Even though we are the same age and have some similar experiences, our stories are uniquely our own. I chat with Jim about symptoms, treatments, lifestyle changes, and everyday efforts to keep the disease from taking hold. After our conversation, Jim emailed to say he thought in our discussion he came across as more negative than his typical positive self. To me his story is authentic, honest and like most of us with Parkinson’s an ever adjusting mix of hope, fear, frustration and Levodopa.     If you have a comment or question about the podcast, you can email us: parkinsonspod@curiouscast.ca   Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Jim Redmond. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, you will meet my 9-year old son Henry, hear his infectious laugh and find out the one burning question he has about Parkinson’s. I think Henry might just want a normal Dad, not one with Parkinson's , my co-host Niki Reitmayer and my wife Rebecca try to convince me otherwise. On Saturdays,  Henry and I go on adventures. We hang out, run errands, laugh, talk, and just spend time together. Father-son time means even more for me since my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I don’t always have the energy or ability to do the things we used to do and that will only get worse over time, so when we get the chance to connect, I relish it. Parenting is hard regardless if you have Parkinson’s or not. Parky can make things harder, however, it also allows me to demonstrate how I deal with adversity, teaches Henry empathy, the importance of philanthropy, and the value of quality time over quantity time. You will also hear from fellow father with PD Jonny Acheson about how he talks to his kids about Parkinson’s and how PD has changed how he approaches parenting. Singer Songwriter Emily Chambers was 12-years old when her dad was diagnosed and TeaParky.com creator Michael Chueng was 11. They both talk about what it was like to grow up with a Dad who has Parkinson’s and offer advice to my son Henry. Wondering how to talk to kids about Parkinson's? Check this link out https://www.parkinson.ca/wp-content/uploads/Talking-to-Children.pdf  Follow me, Larry Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Follow Co-host and Producer Niki Reitmeyer Twitter: @Niki_Reitmayer Thank you to Dan Gifford, Tracy Cherry, Jonny Acheson, and… Emily Chambers. You can check out her music at www.emilychambers.caand follow her for future alerts about “Shake, Shake, Shake.” You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/emilychambersmusic Twitter: https://twitter.com/em_chambers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilychambersmusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/em_chambers/ Michael Chueng. Check out his site www.teaparky.comand follow him. Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/teaparkydotcom/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaParky/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teaparkydotcom/ And special thanks to my son Henry and to my wife Rebecca Gifford. For more info on our partner Parkinson Canada head to http://www.parkinson.ca/ The toll free hotline is 1-800-565-3000 Or follow them on Twitter Parkinson Canada            @ParkinsonCanada Parkinson Society BC      @ParkinsonsBC Credits Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Rob Johnston – Senior Audio Producer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices