Ah, Halloween. The time of year when we’re all supposed to enjoy a “little fright” — but in my case, it’s more like a mini horror marathon, and I’m front and center without any popcorn. With Parkinson’s, my nerves are already strung tighter than a spider’s web, and every “boo” or horror movie jump-scare hits my system like a jolt of lightning. This month, it’s a constant battle between the Halloween spirit and my shaky, slightly too fragile physical reality.

It’s funny (sort of) how any sudden scare seems to give my medication a swift kick out the door. What follows? Uncontrollable tremors, a voice shaking like a ghost in an old cartoon, a pounding chest, and that awful feeling that my brain and body are spiraling faster than my last neurologist appointment. My brain doesn’t just decide to stop there, though. Oh no, it also loves to throw in some bonus nightmares that leave me wide-eyed until dawn, wondering if I need to hire a personal exorcist for the month.

So, while Halloween encourages everyone to “get spooky,” I’d like to formally opt out — or at least, stick to the non-lethal end of the ghostly spectrum. I’ll be watching “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”, passing out candy and probably eating pizza. Happy Halloween!