The relentless agony of dystonia was both excruciating and incapacitating, leaving me often motionless, yearning for relief.

A common occurrence in Parkinson’s disease and sometimes triggered by its treatment medications, dystonia manifests as painful muscle cramping primarily in the feet, hands, neck, or face. In moments when I feel its sharp pangs, whether in the curling of my fingers, the involuntary twisting of my neck, or the tightening of my facial muscles, it’s as if Parkinson’s is asserting its dominance over my body once again. Each cramp, each spasm, is a stark reminder of the toll this condition takes on everyone living with Parkinson’s.

Yet, amidst the pain and the frustration, I’m determination to not let Parkinson’s define who I am, to push through the pain and reclaim moments of joy and normalcy in my life.

So, I continue to navigate the complexities of living with Parkinson’s, grappling not only with the symptoms themselves but also with the profound impact they have on every aspect of my being. And through it all, I hold onto hope — hope for better treatments, hope for relief, and hope for a future where dystonia no longer holds sway over my life.

Lear more about dystonia.