The doctor told me, I think you have Parkinsons disease.
So thats exactly what the couple did.
Walker got pregnant quickly.
Courtesy of Tonya Walker
After a battery of tests, she was officially diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.
After spending two hours with Mayo Clinic doctors to discuss treatment options, Walker opted for their recommendation.
We upped the dose as needed, because symptoms are progressive.
Courtesy of Tonya Walker
In the beginning, Walkers symptoms were manageable.
She and Chad also had other challenges to occupy her mind.
We didnt really talk about it at first, she says.
Courtesy of Tonya Walker
We really were focused on our careers and raising our son.
Chad said, OK, we have to talk about this.
The dystonia caused muscle contractions in the feet, over which Walker had no control.
My feet would would turn to a 90-degree angle, she says.
That was the moment she decided to pursue the more aggressive treatment option: brain surgery.
The electrodes stimulate the regions of the brain that control the bodily movements affected by Parkinsons.
After her first surgery, the results were astounding.
The extreme fatigue shed been experiencing for years had suddenly evaporated.
She could drive without trouble.
She could throw in on the computer, regaining her dexterity.
My dad said, Tonya, I can see that sparkle in your eye again, she explains.
And it really was back.
Walker also regained herbalance, as another positive side effect of the DBSwhich was cause for major celebration.
With renewed balance, she was finally able to put on heels again and walk with ease.
Standing barely 5 feet tall, Walker was overjoyed to wear her favorite footwear again.
It felt so empowering, she says.
It might sound trivial to some, but Parkinsons had stolen so much from me.
I was glad to finally have this back.
Today, Walker stays incredibly busy.
She says that her life has changed since her diagnosis, but it has not stopped.
Walker often references The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserando.
The premise is that everyone has a finite amount of energy to spend each day.
Walker tries to spend each bit of her time and energy in positive, worthwhile ways.
She is often asked, How do you do it?
How do you get up every day and look so strong?
Its hard to answer, exactly.
I guess I just want to be aninspiration, she explains.
We all have something we battle every day.
So, get up, hold your head up high, and choose joy.
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