10 things to help you make it thru the work day with Parkinson's Disease

 Good morning, or afternoon, or evening, depending on what time zone you are in.

For those who, are unfamiliar with who I am, (judging by my site visits, there are a lot of you)

my name is Randy Wilcox, and I am a Parkie.

Personal:

Parkinson diagnosis in 2013 (8 years) 

Age 62

Married, 42 years 

Professional 

Southern New Brunswick Office Equipment Ltd. for 20 years 

Position: Sales Consultant (Salesman)  business to business 

Products: Ericson Telephone Systems, Toshiba Copiers 

In the office equipment industry for 35 years. 

Okay got the qualifications out of the way. 

What follows are only my observations about myself, every Parkie is different.

General Truths:  You, are not the person, you were before the diagnosis. That person is gone.

       Who is left, is who you are  TODAY .  And today you can be anyone you want to be.   

Two rules I try to live by 

a.) It's only inconvenient   b.) Enjoy Every Sandwich (Warren Zevon) 

1. Be up front with the company you work for, and your supervisors. Make sure they know and understand. Let them know this is a long term disease and that you plan to continue doing your job, and for how long. 
2. Let the  company, and your supervisor, know if you have any current limitations.  
3. Know your time. Every Parkie has a time of day when they are at their best, mine happens to be mornings. Tell your supervisor what  time is best for you. I am a morning person,  I am at my most creative from 8 am to about 1 pm. 
4. Schedule your appointments for your best time of day. I do not make closing calls in the afternoon (I give shit away).
5. If you still have to meet in the afternoon, apologize before hand. Defer complicated questions until tomorrow, or bring along a buddy to help you out. 
6. Avoid answering the phone during your down time. Voice mail is your friend. Listen to the message. Forward it on to someone who can help, if urgent. Otherwise answer the next day. 
7. Don't try to answer complicated emails on your phone. Anytime. I will email back and tell them I will respond in the morning. It gets too frustrating, and I  usually end up sending a message that makes no sense.
8. Laugh, have fun. Yes, through no fault of your own you have this terrible disease. But life is too short, don't take yourself so seriously.
9. Understand there will be days when the meds won't work, or the stress levels are overwhelming. If you can go home, take nap.  Close your office door, take a nap. 
10. Be honest with yourself. Be honest to your employer.  Know when to say no, not today. If you can't do something tell them. 

I have found most people are understanding, as long as you are honest with them.

My clients, all know who I am, and what I have. If they ask I give them honest answers. If I am not at my best at this particular  point in time I tell them.  

I have gone into a meeting and told the client today is not a good day, can we reschedule. 

So keep working as long as you can .

Keep to your long term goals regarding retirement. Even step them up if you can. 

Remember "It's only a phone, and they will call back."