Bob Johnson Discusses Parkinson's Disease

Bob Johnson announced on NewsChannel 9's This-N-That program that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Bob said the disease first began about two years ago. Bob jokingly said he first attributed his symptoms "to old age." He has been under the care of neurologists, but the definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's has just come recently. "It is not classic Parkinson's (with tremors) but Parkinson's nonetheless," he said. In a frank and open interview with Don Welch, Bob of course said he was shocked by the diagnosis but hoped that medication would help ward off the symptoms. "To compound the problem, I've had a chronic back disorder for some years," said Bob. "Degenerative discs that caused me stiffness, lack of movement and some pain." Bob expressed gratitude at the concern, the prayers and the inquiries viewers have expressed.

"I'm sorry I couldn't give you an answer because I didn't have an answer at the time," he said.

Of course he has been well aware, and knows viewers have been well aware of the "stiffness" he has displayed on the air.

"I hated that detriment, that distraction in my on-air performance, but there wasn't anything I could do about it," he said.

"How do you feel," asked Don.

"I have good days and bad days," Bob said. "You wake up in the morning and you feel a little stiff and you wonder if it's getting worse. And then you take your medicine and it levels out. But it's something you live with and try to stabilize as best you can."

As Don said, Bob has been a news anchor and "in peoples living rooms" for 32 years.

"Maybe in the future I can do that again," Bob said. "I don't know that at this point until going through testing and finding out the potential for future growth. But the doctors have to tell me that."

Bob says he hopes to return to the air but "the number one priority right now is my health. While I appreciate all those who have said 'we want you back,' I want to come back when I can come back, and if I can come back."

To see the entire interview aired today CLICK HERE.