## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) # My PD Story ![frank_antonicelli.png](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/frank_a.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=mHLBH2-8) People with PD ## Frank Antonicelli Parkinson's disease (PD) has an uncanny ability to catch you off guard, striking when you least expect it. I was 39 years old and living an active life when my first [symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") emerged. My wife actually noticed before I did, when she pointed out that my right arm appeared stiff during a walk. Soon after, while I was playing golf, I had a moment where my mind and body seemed to exist in two separate worlds, leading to several out-of-control shots. I also noticed that my symptoms were concentrated on my right side, affecting my fine motor skills and leading to a change in my [gait](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/trouble-moving "Trouble Moving or Walking"). My symptoms progressed and reached a breaking point when a [stumble](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/postural-instability "Postural Instability (Balance & Falls)") over my right foot sent me tumbling down the stairs at home. It was a wake-up call and a realization that I needed to find out what was causing these problems. The following year and a half became a flurry of doctor’s appointments and diagnostic tests in search of answers. After seeking second opinions, the verdict finally arrived in 2007: Parkinson's disease. Accepting this harsh reality was a struggle, followed by the onset of [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety"), [fatigue](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/fatigue "Fatigue") and an apprehension towards even the simplest of tasks. These limitations became my new companions, guiding my decisions. In pursuit of a better life, I explored different [treatment options](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment "Treatment") — acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, massage, muscle activation techniques, peptide therapy, IV nutrition therapy and more. Although I was making progress, I needed to go further. A pivotal turning point was when I engaged with a [movement disorder specialist](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team") (MDS). This collaboration reshaped my perception of how to [manage Parkinson’s](/living-with-parkinsons/management "Management & Lifestyle"). Together, we created a holistic approach to tackle my symptoms head-on, establishing a plan that revolved around [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise"), [diet](/living-with-parkinsons/management/diet-nutrition "Diet & Nutrition") and [stress management](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health"). We connected in a profound way that changed my outlook and helped me learn new techniques for dealing with PD. I also began looking into [resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") from the Parkinson’s Foundation to help navigate the disease. I found the [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons "Living with Parkinson's") section on their website to be a great resource for information. One of my initial challenges after being diagnosed was [finding support](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health/support "Getting Support"), so I started incorporating their emotional and [mental health tips](/living-with-parkinsons/emotional-mental-health "Emotional & Mental Health") into my everyday life. Fueled by positivity and visualization, I envisioned a life free of mobility hindrances, propelling me towards greater activity and diminished fear. This journey of embracing Parkinson's became a lesson in understanding my body and its signals. However, in February 2020, a setback led me to the emergency room. My Parkinson’s medications had become ineffective, and I felt like my body was betraying me. Three months of at-home care steered me towards a groundbreaking decision — [deep brain stimulation](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/surgical-treatment-options/deep-brain-stimulation "Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)") (DBS) surgery. After meticulous research and consultations with my neurologists, I underwent the DBS procedure in November 2020. This surgery marked a new chapter in my life, bringing improvements to my mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Utilizing the lifestyle strategies from my MDS and feeling rejuvenated after DBS surgery, I began exploring creative outlets. Inspired by my love for writing, I established Be Still Publishing, a platform where I share my poetry, lyrics and music. In 2023 I released my first audiobook, "[Embracing Parkinson's: A Journey of Acceptance and Healing](https://embracingparkinsons.com/)," featuring one-on-one conversations between me and my MDS, Joe Green, offering insights into the world of a person living with PD and strategies for managing the condition. In my journey to understand and deal with Parkinson’s, I discovered one of the best ways to manage this disease is through the help of healthcare professionals. I was surprised to learn that only [9% of people](https://www.instagram.com/p/CvpINIcMtVG/) with PD receive care from a movement disorders specialist. This hit close to home, as I worked very closely with my MDS for years and it made a huge difference in the way I viewed and managed my Parkinson’s. I am grateful for the support of my neurologist and MDS, as well as my friends and family. Despite the challenges I face, I refuse to let Parkinson’s sideline my spirit. **People living with Parkinson's who seek expert care have better outcomes. [Find expert care near you.](/your-area "In Your Area")** ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Gary Krajewski headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/gary-krajewski-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jbMtYx20) People with PD ### [ Gary Krajewski ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/gary-krajewski) READ NOW ![Melinda Young headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/melinda-young-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=IGUTuGIt) People with PD ### [ Melinda Young ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/melinda-young) READ NOW ![Jessica R. headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/jessica-r-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=l6Bl0YfL) People with PD ### [ Jessica R. ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/jessica-r) READ NOW [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ### Share your Story Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share? 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