I Was a Three-Time Olympian. I Couldn't Let My Mystery Disease Defeat Me

As a kid, I dreamed of being an explorer. My father took me to a pub called the South Pole, which was owned by Tom Crean, a veteran of polar exploration at the turn of the last century. Crean had been with Capt. Robert Scott on that fateful trip to the South Pole that ultimately led to the death of Capt. Scott and four of his men. Looking at the worn-out memorabilia displayed in that shabby pub in Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland, I resolved to one day make a trip to the pole.

In my teenage years, I had more standard ambitions, many of which I achieved. I became a World Champion and ran a mile in 3 minutes, 51.0 seconds. While my father didn't have an extensive education, I earned an MBA and was a member of the Arkansas Bar, then worked in the wireless industry for 14 years and became a senior executive for a Fortune 500 company.

I was a three-time Olympian—1984, 1988, and 1992—but I had disappointments along the way. I missed the qualifying mark for the Moscow Olympics in 1980 by 36/100th of a second and was forced to withdraw from participation in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics because of injury.

Then, my familiar world was turned upside down. The company I worked for was bought by a bigger rival, and the very next day I had the first symptom of a mystery disease.

While running, I experienced a glitch in my stride, which almost brought me down. It was the same leg that caused me so many issues as an athlete. I was convinced it was a running injury, the sort that felled my participation in the Atlanta games. I avoided neurologists and instead pursued athletic therapy. I was in severe denial.

One day, while at a contentious business meeting, my first tremor made an appearance. I was forced to accept the reality that at 48 years of age I had Parkinson's disease. I continued to work for a few years, relying on trusted associates and various ruses and schemes until I could no longer hide the symptoms.

Contrary to a typical prognosis of early onset Parkinson's, which is defined as a diagnosis before age 50, my condition deteriorated much quicker than expected. I couldn't walk, could barely talk, experienced extreme restlessness, and suffered from debilitating and scary cramping and full-body tremors.

Neck cramps were particularly frightening and required all my wife's strength to release my chin from its ferocious attachment to my chest. This cramping was persistent and predictable and lasted upwards of 45 minutes daily. I was in a pitiful condition and relied heavily on my family and friends to survive.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) provided relief. DBS can be a five-hour surgery and may require the patient to remain awake. The neurosurgeon needs your feedback throughout the procedure to ensure proper and accurate placement in your brain. It is a daunting prospect.

During the surgery, tiny holes were drilled through my skull and deep into my brain. Using Abbott's Infinity DBS system, surgeons implanted electrodes in my brain and attached them to the pulse generator in my chest.

This allowed voltage to constantly run to my brain, which serves to dampen the faulty signaling caused by Parkinson's. I chose the Abbott system because of its ability to target three different zones. This capability is crucial when the area of the brain targeted is no larger than a grain of rice.

It took two years, but my condition slowly improved. I am making the most of my improved state. I have been to Patagonia and Machu Picchu, albeit with the aid of great friends and family. I even managed to make that long dreamed about trip to the Antarctic. I joined a National Geographic voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, made the two-day crossing of the Drake Passage, and was at Elephant Island on the 100th anniversary of Ernest Shackleton's death. I even managed to complete two extreme hikes on the continent.

I still struggle with acceptance, and I know I can't beat Parkinson's. It is truly a life sentence with no opportunity for parole. I have learned that if you fixate on future symptoms, you could be paralyzed with fear. You have to play the cards that you currently hold and not a hand you may be dealt later.

Frank O'Mara is a former Irish runner, three-time Olympian, and twice World Indoor Champion in the 3000m. His book, "Bend Don't Break," details how his early experiences prepared him for the hardship of facing Parkinson's disease. After using Abbott's Infinity Deep brain stimulation (DBS) system, he has seen improvements in his condition.

All views expressed are the author's own.

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