The actor disclosed in an interview with Variety this week that Michael J. Fox has experienced a lot of injuries as a result of his Parkinson’s illness, which was discovered in 1991 at the age of 29.
The 61-year-old “Back to the Future” actor spoke candidly about his struggle with the condition and the injuries he had as a result of losing his balance.
The neurological condition develops over time and results in unintentional stiffness, shakiness, and coordination issues, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“I had this shoulder replaced after breaking it. I damaged my elbow. I shattered this hand. I nearly lost this finger due to an infection that I had. My face was broken. The humerus was broken, Fox admitted to Variety.
Fox reported that it has Since he was already managing his Parkinson’s symptoms, it has been challenging to manage his sickness over the years, during which he has had more personal losses and mental health challenges.
“I have aides around me quite a bit of the time in case I fall, and that lack of privacy is hard to deal with,” he admitted in the interview. “I lost independence, health, my dog, and members of my family. Since I’m not competent to diagnose myself, I hesitate to use the term “depression,” but all the symptoms were present.
The “Family Ties” star acknowledged that while it hasn’t always been simple, he has found solace in his family’s encouragement as they have been supporting him through his medical challenges.
The actor said, “I just like the tiny math puzzles of life. I enjoy getting up in the morning, solving those puzzles, and spending time with my family.
He has also reached a stage where he is willing to accept any physical effects the crippling illness may have on him.
My issue is that I trip and fall. I trip over objects, tumble to the ground, and damage things. And having this is part of that,” Fox remarked. “However, I’m hoping and expecting not to break as many bones tomorrow. So, to say that is optimistic.
Fox has made a significant effort to raise money for Parkinson’s since making his illness public in 1998 after learning that the condition was underfunded for both research and the development of treatments. According to its website, the Foundation, which was established in 2000, has raised more than $1.5 billion for Parkinson’s research.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson’s disease affects roughly 500,000 Americans, although other experts believe that number could be as high as one million due to the disease’s propensity for going undetected.
A new documentary about his life, “Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie,” which will air soon, will detail his successful career, journey with sobriety, battle with Parkinson’s, and his determined spirit to continue living on his own terms despite the disease’s immobilising symptoms. Fox retired from acting in 2020 due to difficulties with learning lines and acting as a result of the disease.
