Body Design

05/25/2026

Today was another long appointment at Toronto Western Hospital for DBS stimulator adjustments and Botox injections for my Parkinson's.

I receive Botox injections for dystonia in my feet and neck. The dystonia causes my toes to lift and my feet to twist, making walking difficult and painful. Unfortunately, it has now spread to my left foot, so this time I needed injections in both legs as well as my neck.

During the appointment, my Neurologist had to temporarily turn off my stimulator to administer the Botox.

Within minutes, my symptoms came rushing back - my head began shaking, I developed tremors in my hands, and the dystonia in my left hand and foot became intense and painful.

It was powerful reminder of just how much DBS and Botox help me manage my Parkinson's symptoms every single day.

I've shared a short video from the appointment because sometimes it's hard to explain Parkinson's....but seeing it makes people understand.

05/20/2026

Yesterday my Small Group Training instructor called in sick....and suddenly there was no one to teach the class but me.

I used to teach this class regularly, but I haven't taught since the summer of 2023 because my Parkinson's symptoms made it too difficult.

I was nervous.

I worried about my voice giving out because speaking has become much harder for me. And I knew I couldn't teach the class the way I used to - talking while demonstrating and exercising at the same time. Parkinson’s has changed that for me. Even though I still work out all the time, my brain just won't let me do two things at once anymore.

So I adapted.

I put a program together, demonstrated the exercises, coached the participants through them, watched their form, encouraged them and kept them moving. I only did the warm-up and cool-down myself.

And you know what? It worked.

The class went well and I left feeling really proud of myself.

Parkinson's may change how I do things....but sometimes it reminds me that I'm still capable of more than I think.

05/11/2026

Safety First

This weekend I bought a bed rail because of my REM Sleep Disorder- a Parkinson’s symptom that causes me to act out my dreams and sometimes fall out of bed.

I didn't expect buying it to affect me emotionally as much as it did. But driving home, I realized it felt like another acknowledgement of the progression of my Parkinson's. Another adjustment. Another thing I now need for safety.

And yet...I was grateful for it almost immediately.

The very first night after we installed it, I woke up screaming because I thought I saw a mouse and was flailing, trying to get out of bed.

Except this time I didn't fall.

And now, a few nights in, I'm finding it easy to use and I actually feel safer going to bed at night.

Sometimes these changes are hard to accept. They can feel like losses.

But sometimes "safety first" is also a form of self care, acceptance and adapting to the reality of living with Parkinson's.

05/07/2026

Yesterday I got to be the "mystery reader" in my grandson's kindergarten class.

I was honestly nervous beforehand. Parkinson’s has affected my voice - it's become much softer and sometimes the dystonia in my neck makes speaking challenging. I worried about whether the kids would be able to hear me, and whether I could bring the story to life the way I wanted to.

But the moment I walked into the classroom and saw my grandson's face light up, all of that faded.

He had no idea I was the mystery reader that day, and he was so excited and proud to see me there.

And the best part? The kids did not seem to notice my challenges at all. They just listened to the story, laughed at the characters, and enjoyed the moment.

I left feeling incredibly grateful.

Parkinson’s changes a lot of things. But it doesn't take away the joy of being a Nana.

05/02/2026

Physiotherapy for people with Parkinson’s.

04/30/2026

REM Sleep Disorder....another Parkinson's symptom.

04/21/2026

Parkinson’s is a sh*tty disease but I choose to focus on the positives.

04/20/2026

Slow sliderboard mountain climbers - builds core strength and stability = improved balance and less chance of falls.

04/13/2026

Don't let fear hold you back!

11/14/2025

When Covid hit, I had to move my fitness business online.
When my Parkinson's disease got bad, I had to give up my most personal training clients.
When life gives us lemons. You make lemonade.
I now run my business very part-time, and I channel most of my energies into volunteer work.
Volunteering is my new purpose and source of gratification.
If in some way I can make something easier or better for those just diagnosed or have had Parkinson’s for a while, then my efforts are worth it!

11/09/2025