My 12 Year Battle with Parkinsons

Carlos Sena

I've hid my battle with Parkinson's for +12 years. I know the exact day and time my body had a weird twitch that I sensed was different. I remember the first time a neurologist told me there was a 99% chance that it was not anything. I remember the first time I was performance managed at work due to my disability that I was struggling with that no one knew about. These were my vivid memories that play out in my head.

Parkinson's is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by nerves. It affects nearly every part of life, including speaking, moving, eating, walking, and sleeping.

Last year was my most difficult year health-wise and personally. I found myself without a place to live and became deemed as homeless in the state of California without a permanent address in the state of California. I applied for Disability benefits in the state of California and have been denied twice already with letters from Doctor's and United States Congressman attesting to my illness. I continue my battle in 6 months in front of a judge. However, my goal is to work again. I believe in the research and progress that is happening in Medicine.

I have exhausted my resources as I have taken experimental medication that cost $30 a pill for a months supply of 60. I will be going into a surgical procedure that will place a gastro-tube in my stomach that will directly feed medication to the source and bypass absorption. Currently, I cannot afford to take anyone with me because I have no funds to take a family member with me. My parents have been my care-givers as there are many days where I cannot even walk. I have 2-4 good hours per day when I feel I can do anything. Yes, I am scared but I do it because I am sure there is something that will work and get me back up again.

Everything helps and will allow me to take family members (mother and father) with me on my continued fight to battle this illness.