When the trembling in her hands first began a couple of years ago, Jean thought it was simply a product of growing older. But her symptoms got worse, and in May 2021, she decided to see a neurology specialist.
“That’s when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It was scary,” Jean shared.
Not long after her diagnosis, Jean’s daughter-in-law found the Parkinson’s rehab program offered through a coordinated effort between the Aurora Health Clinic in West Bend and the YMCA of Washington County. One of the classes is held at the River Shores branch of the YMCA, not far from where Jean lives.
“I’d been working with Beth, a physical therapist at the clinic. I asked her about the class at the YMCA, and it turns out she leads it, so I started attending twice a week. It’s often said that exercise can be more powerful than medication, and I want to do everything I can to stay healthy for as long as possible.”
The Parkinson’s rehab program is an optional program for patients recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s to participate in after their initial physical therapy. It helps them stay active throughout their journey.
“The first half hour of the class is on the treadmill or stationary bike. Then we do strength, mobility and balance training,” explained Jean. “The physical activity helps me feel better, and I’ve noticed my flexibility has improved as long as I keep up with the exercises and continue them at home.”
Jean has also experienced benefits in her mental health.
“The program connects me with other people who are suffering from the same disease. I know I’m not alone, which was how I felt when I was first diagnosed. I had a lot of anxiety, and while I still feel anxious sometimes, it helps to know there are others who can motivate you, and they understand what you’re going through.”
There’s a social aspect to the program too. Jean is meeting new friends and finding inspiration through them.
“I walk next to another woman on the treadmills and we talk the whole time. It sure makes that half hour go faster when you have someone to talk to,” she said. “The same lady has been like a mentor to me. She’s been in the program for two or three years. Everyone’s experience with the disease is different, but when I see what she can do, it’s inspiring. She can be quite the motivator.”
Jean is grateful for the Parkinson’s rehab program and what it’s done for her overall well-being.
“It’s a great program. Without it, I wouldn’t have known how to use exercise to benefit my health and hopefully delay or minimize the progression of the disease. I’m sure my anxiety level would be much higher too.”
The program also gives Jean hope.
“Someone once told me, ‘You will not die of Parkinson’s, you’ll die with Parkinson’s.’ I try to keep in mind that my diagnosis is not all doom and gloom. It’s a little less scary with this program and my new friends who give me strength and keep me going. It makes me feel like I’m being proactive and doing something worthwhile to keep myself as healthy as possible.”
The Parkinson’s rehab program is the only one in the area that’s led by a licensed physical therapist and connected to a health care organization. For more information, please contact Jennifer Hollenberger at jennifer.hollenberger@aah.org.