## 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 ![Harlee](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Harlee%20Abromson-Kuth.png?h=c9aea1bc&itok=ratzJxZI) People with PD ## Harlee Abromson-Kuth For four years, my neurologist told me my [tremors](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") were nothing. One day, I was getting a haircut. My hairdresser asked me if I had ever been evaluated for Parkinson’s disease (PD), because my [walk](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/trouble-moving "Trouble Moving or Walking") reminded her of her Dad who had PD. That shook me up! I asked my neurologist to reassess me. He said he thought my hairdresser was right. I switched doctors and my wonderful new neurologist confirmed that my tremors, coordination, slowness and [rigidity](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/rigidity "Rigidity") challenges were indeed Parkinson’s. My usual upbeat mood became dark. For a while I isolated as fear of an unknown future gripped me. I called the [Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline"), and asked many questions, read everything I could get my hands on. I learned of the Rock Steady boxing program for PD. I never imagined, at 71, that I would be learning how to box! I also started water aerobics. I’d always been a walker, as my husband and I have three rescue golden doodles who need as much exercise as we do! I looked at boxing and water aerobics as chores I had to undertake for PD. However, what surprises me is that I have come to truly enjoy both activities! I also enjoy the socialization aspect of both, and not feeling alone. Over the last few months my boxing improved so much that I’ve added a regular class! Last week I saw my new neurologist. She told me that I have improved remarkably! My tremors are less frequent, less intense. My rigidly is gone. My coordination is better. I attribute this improvement to not only carbadopa levadopa, which I only recently started, but to boxing, water aerobics and walking. PD professionals who encourage vigorous exercise are right! The Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline specialists and my doctor stress [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") all the time! I’ve come to know how critical it is to incorporate other resources as well. A loving, compassionate support system is vital. Socializing is paramount. Having fun with friends and family is medicine! A “most of the time” healthy diet matters! Meditation, rest and yoga are helpful as well! My advice is to find what works best for you! My mantra is the 3 P’s…Positivity, Peace, Proactivity. Living a full life is possible. Don’t give up. Help is out there. **Find the Parkinson’s exercise class that works for you! For virtual options, explore our [Fitness Friday videos](/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth "PD Health @ Home") and events. For in-person classes, visit your [local chapter’s webpage](/resources-support/find-your-chapter "Find Your Chapter") or call our [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).** ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 129: Using the New Parkinson’s Exercise Recommendations as Part of Your Treatment Plan ](/library/podcast/129) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/129) Fact Sheets ### [ Finding a Specialist ](/library/fact-sheets/specialist) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/specialist) Podcasts ### [ Episode 147: Maximizing Resources with the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline ](/library/podcast/147) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/147) ## 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 ### Share your Story Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share? [SUBMIT YOUR STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn