My Motorcycling Days Are Numbered!

I've been having trouble with my right hand and arm.
I can't read my own handwriting.
I have to type left-handed because my right hand vibrates.
I'm starting to walk funny. So, I went-in for testing.
Neurologists at The Lahey Clinic have told me I have Parkinson's Disease.

I wasn't prepared to hear her say Parkinson's.
I thought it was a side effect of Rx-meds I take.

Nope. A Brain Scan proved it's the onset of PD.

I don't know what to do.
I'm day-to-day with this.

 

Sorry to hear that. Wish you all the best on the road ahead of you

 

thats terrible news, sorry to hear that, its easy for me to say but keep your chin up, , good luck, ken

 

Rick i dont know you personally but youve been a great help and blessing to me. Always chimed in and helped even through both my wrecks praying for you sir.

 

I feel for you Rick. The missus and I are going through some rough times with 2 family members with PD and dementia. But its not all that bad. Im doing up an old car with the farther in law at the moment. He's not too well but he's in the shed every morning before i go to work and he's waiting for me when i get home. He's so dead keen on seeing things being done. He and I are getting a great buzz out of it. Even though sometimes he doesn't know why hes there. lol

He said to me " you know im never going to be able to drive this car and its going to be yours when im gone" Im going to make sure he drives it no matter what. Just glad i can spend the time with him. I cant believe his will and how strong he is, and its driving me to do what i can and im loving it. Im doing things that that even i didnt think i could do.

So dont stop with the projects and the things you love Rick, no matter what it is, keep on keeping on! Your not done yet! Pick some goals and go for it!

Hangloose,
Greg

 

With Groundhangers Rick, keep on keeping on your knowledge is awesome; you are an icon on this forum. Stay strong and do the things you enjoy.

Steve

 

Sorry to hear that, Rick. You're a wonderful resource on this forum. Hopefully there will be some development in the medicine front soon.

 

I am genuinely sorry to hear this, Rick, I wish you all the best.
They can do wonders these day, just look at Michael J Fox
Good luck, Rick.
Roy.

 

Keep your head up..go as wide open as you can..live in the moments..

Don't let the devil take that away...

 

No easy words Rick.Have read many of your posts and you have helped me with issues you didn't even know I had.
I've been told by others older than I that,
"This getting older business isn't for pussies"
As I get older it becomes more and more relevant.
Still it's the only game in town, so do what you can with what you have, while you can.
No answers here but sending you hope and a truckload of goodwill.
Hope the road smooths out for you ahead mate.
Glenn.

 

Sorry to hear that Rick, I hope you keep your sense of humour with you that shines through on here. Thanks for the help you give.

 

Rick, terrible news, my heart goes out to you. You've put so much into this site, this community. Hang in there, we're thinking of you.

 

Rick, I feel for you. Keep your spirits up and don't give up!

 

Good luck and best wishes Rick!!!!!

 

Rick. I'm relatively new to this site and only joined because I soon realized that there is a wealth of knowledge on here about our XJs. Throughout my searches to overcome problems you have shone through as the one who has already overcome the problem and taken the time to very eloquently share your knowledge so that others will benefit. I sincerely hope that there is someone out there in the medical profession who can do for you what you have done for many on here and help you fix your illness.

 

Rick, I am deeply sorry to hear the news. You may have time now to write the "Massey Manual for your XJ - from the frame to the road"

Like master Oogway said: There is a saying, 'Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift! That is why it is called the present'

If you ever want to tinker with one more xj, let me know. I have 2 here that are giving me nightmares.

 

Rick - Thanks for your many years of service and dedication to this site. My xj would be sitting in the corner of the garage collecting dust if it wasn’t for all your help.

 

I am fairly new here myself . I always trust and respect your answers to problems here . I can tell you have a great love for this site and every rider here . I will be praying for you as i truly believe in miracles .I have seen many .

Patrick

 

Thats bad news Rick. I always looked forward to your input on the site. Your help while I was restoring my XJ650 was very much appreciated.

Bob

 

Rick, As with all previous posts, Best wishes for the future.

Any forum search reveals your input into this site.

Martyn

 

Wow, Rick. I’m very sorry to learn of this. Please know that you are a tremendous resource to me, and to this forum. Knowing that even the process of typing your posts is a challenge makes your terrific ability to communicate and instruct even more impressive. I pray for your peace, and hope you’ll continue to share with us.
We are all indebted to you.

 

Sincerely hoping the future is far brighter than it feels right now, I'd like to join the others in sending my thanks for your help & ideas that keep our bikes moving

 

It's kind of strange. As I was reading your post and the following replies, my eyes began to water. Though we have never met, you are a brother to all of us. Our prayers are with you. Never give up.

 

Crappy news, Rick. All the best to you sir, and don't feel bad to explore different treatment options, even if some of them are off the mainstream list. Hopefully someday we will be able to defeat these terrible maladies.

 

Hi Rick, from reading all your threads in the forum it seem like I have know you for a long time! thank you for all your time and effort! ( I am going to need it to restore/mod my XJ 650)

Just like ecologito, I have got a special edition XJ 750RL if you want to spend time on. please PM me. I am more than happy for it to go to you!

I wish all the VERY BEST to you and your family ! stay strong and stay happy Rick! God Bless You!

Kinen

 

Mr. Massey,

I've got a feeling God isn't quite finish with you just yet. Semper Fi and God Speed.

Gary

 

Well, that officially sucks.

1. Don't panic.
2. Start researching treatment options.
3. Don't panic.

Indeed. He's even got a sense of humor about it.

 

As it happens, you may be living at the right time in history to be diagnosed with Parkinsons.

http://newsroom.melbourne.edu/news/university-melbourne-enters-agreement-develop-therapy-parkinsons-disease

My uncle was diagnosed in 1984, and continued to live an active life for many years. He was able to continue driving (though not motorcycling) for another decade. He and his wife travelled the western US as part of his "retirement job"; freelance writing and photography. He did finally succumb after managing the disease for more than 20 years. The medications that helps to manage Parkinsons have improved somewhat since my uncle was first diagnosed, though it is not yet as good as it needs to be. I have no advice to give, but I do know that there is a lot of living that can be done following a diagnosis. Maybe you can switch to riding a hack.

 

Rick,
The dawning of this news is the scariest part.
My father has PD and is doing great, not riding a motorcycle, but he never did. :lol:

I send positive thoughts towards you to help you accept this new chapter of life.

Google can be a curse, research as much as you desire but keep in mind that only the professionals that are directly treating you are qualified to give a prognosis.

 

Deepest sympathies Rick, I am definitely wishing you all the best with it

 

Hi Rick, I am sorry to here about you. You have been a rock and fantastic guide and friend for the XJ family. I worked with a friend who had PD. He had good days and bad. He is still going strong. I believe you are not done yet. Your knowledge and experiences are still needed here. We need you here please do not stop your good work. My prayers are with you for wisdom and strength each and every day.

 

Sorry to hear that. But you have a great legacy to look back on, all the people that you helped on this page. I think back about 5 yrs ago when my dad suffered a stroke during heart surgery. After 2 yrs of physical theropy, hes back on his beemer, and he hit Americade, and the Killington Classic together. The moral, Life is not over, Just a beginning of learning again. Take care buddy.

 

Best wishes and prayers are with you, as others have said, there are so many incredible thing that the medical world has discovered, sure it may be a speed bump, but its for sure not the end of the road with a bridge out.

Spirits high, feed off passion, thrive through sharing knowledge

 

Sorry to hear the terrible news Rick. I am going through it with my mother currently. I share the sentiments MarkV has expressed above. I am new as well. But very early on, I was able to realize that you are among one of the invaluable individuals on this site. But just remember, you have a lot of life left to live. And hopefully most of it as quality life. Look at all the good things Michael J. Fox has done since his diagnoses. The treatments are getting better and better. Ironically, as I was driving for a consultation with the oncologist this morning they had were talking about this very topic on the Diane Rehm show. I wasn't able to hear more than 15 minutes of but will listen to it tonight. Here is the link:

Diane Rehm: Topic Parkinson's Research

My prayers for you and your family.

 

Rick, everyone has already expressed what any of us on here feel.

You are like family to so many of us, especially the ones like me that need this forum cause all I got is my f'ed up in-laws to hang out with at the holidays.

Seriously, I hope that you have great luck in controlling and treating it for yourself. If you can't ride in the future, watch bike movies and go to bike shows. Vicarious riding is better than none.

 

First of all,, ... these bikes are ALL stubborn as an old mule to Start when cooler weather arrives.

A fully charged Battery is a must.

The Engine should IDLE on-its own close to 1,125 rpm's fed by the Pilot Mixture Screws, alone.
Uncontrollable Low-rpm's usually indicates some kind of Air Leaks.

Many "ColorTuned" Bikes were very close to 3-Turns Out; some even beyond three a smidgeon.
When you get close to getting them Fine Tuned, ... the Adjustments made to the Pilot Mixture Screws (Pilot AIR Screws) is within the width of a Nickel.
NOT half or quarter-turns.
Just a "Tweak"!



The Enrichment Circuit, ... Lower-bowl orifices, Fuel Bowl Reservoir, Siphon Tube and cleaned Enrichment Plungers absolutely necessary for Starting in the Fall.

 

Rick Do not let it get you down i am living proof of that. I have CMT 4 years ago doctors said i would never walk again. Lost movement in ankles and toes. lost 30 percent movement in my hands also. Rather then sitting back and giving up i pushed myself had to learn to walk again. Was very hard to shift without movement in your feet. I made heel toe shifters. Did a bunch of research on what helps ect with the disease and did everything i could. Last winter i put the little rd away and just used the automatic. Kept standing and working on the bikes. This year went out and drove the rd could shift it ok without the heel toe. It takes me more time to do things picking up little parts and screws takes a bit but you learn to do things differently. I find if i just sit back and do not force myself i get weaker quickly. I think what really made me want to work hard is that 10k wheel chair i got when i could not walk for a year. It has never been used and i am hoping i never have to.

 

Sorry to hear Bro. May the XJ force be with you!

 

Rick, I'm so sorry to hear that. Just remember you have a lot friends here. Maybe you can get a speach to text converter to help heep you on line. Take care, Ron

 

We may all have to get together and build him a xj trike !! We have some great fabricators here

 

Ron, softw are can be purchased thru Amazon. Starting at about $50. My wife runs an older version, for working at home on snow days. But still it's cheap enuf, and does the trick

 

Sorry to hear this Rick. Did you ask the doctor to check the brushes and do the clunk test. You are a great help to us all.

 

I'm saddened to hear this Rick. My thoughts are with you and your family. As others have said stay strong and positive.

 

Well, ain't that a pile of suck...

Sorry to hear it. Science does progress pretty fast these days, though, so there is always a chance they will come up with some nifty fix for it.

 

Rick
Let's hope searchers would find good medication to help you control the symptoms or, even better, get rid of it.

 

Life is the ride, shit might keep you away from motorcycle's, but it does not keep you away for living (until it does). I pray for you (and all of us) that when it does, that your hair is slicked backed from the wind and that your loved ones are around you to enjoy the time you got on this earth.

I wish you decades more of that ride.

Prays and thoughts with you and yours.

 

Hey Rick,

That is some bad news no doubt. Life's all about dealing with curve balls, wrecks, disease, and heartache isn't it? Hope I wind up being able to ride for as long as you are currently. Long may you run!

Marcel

 

wow. probably not as much as you didnt expect it, when i opened this i absolutely didnt expect that either. really sorry to hear man, you have def provided some great info on here and seem like a super cool dude and that is really a bummer. hang in there!

 

Yeah, you've got that lovely 900RK in your stable, Rick. Some 17X8.5 wheels and limited slip differential from a Yama quad or (insert favorite muscle car here).
Anyone ever see an XJ triked out before :?

Don't let the diagnosis get you down. There's some pretty cooldeep brain stimulation stuff for treatment these days. Check out around the 6 minute mark for the good stuff. It's pretty miraculous.
"How are you today, sir?"
"Upright and sucking wind"
or as my grandfather used to say
"Upright and taking nourishment"

Best of luck to you on this journey.

 

That would be cool . A trike