There are so many stories here and mine is about the same; the shock, the emotional and physical pain of PD. I was 40 when the first symptoms began. I was newly re-married. My children were ages 16, 10, 9 and 2. I denied the presence of a tremor, slower movement, depression, and fatigue. After two years of going it alone, I finally gave in and saw a doctor at the patient, insistence of my husband. I am a pianist and dancer. I could do neither any longer and I was dumbfounded, desolate, and drowning in unbelief at what was happening to me. I had to quit cooking because I burned and cut myself every time I tried to fix a meal. I could no longer tie my shoes or button a blouse. I was having a hard time swallowing. I was extremely depressed, could not sleep when I needed to, and had no ambition or ability to reason anything in my mind. I was dreaming, dreaming, dreaming goofy, scary things! I retreated into myself, did only the bare minimum to keep my kids going to school. None of us understood it. After a diagnosis and medication I improved somewhat although briefly. After my first neurologist told me that I would never get better and that I should get used to the idea that I would become disabled down the road about 10 years. I didn't take these words very easily.
In the last 6 years, I have studied, searched and tried many, many things to help me function. Holistic this and that, cell and brain supplements, emotional healing techniques, faith in God, anything that felt right. They have all, indeed helped. I can play the piano most of the time, go dancing once a week with my husband, teach dance once a week, keep my house up so so, stay in touch with my adult kids, my one grandaughter, but most of all, I love life, even with PD. It's precious. I still have down times; even nosedives complete with crash and burn but they do not last. Eventually I come back up, find my body and go on. PD is 'a friend who has come to teach me great truths!' It's not the preferred method of learning life's truths but I don't have a choice. I have such love and empathy for all and any who have suffered similar experiences. It's good to share; very good for me anyway. I appreciate all who have offered their feelings, opinions, and experience with PD in their life.
Tracy Anne
Friday, 19 June 2009
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
PD and me
I am now 43 years old and was officially diagnosed with Young onset Parkinson’s Disease on 21/10/2003, not a day i can easily forget. Looking back now i can see there were signs of PD many years before the diagnosis, a shaking hand and arm and a severe bout of depression all evident at least 8 years before the diagnosis. The shaking hand and arm were only noticeable whilst i was playing online games and at the time i just put this down to bad posture at the keyboard. The depression lasted 4 years and cost me my job at the time but i will go into this at a later date when i feel i can share this.
Around about 1998 i started a new job working for a local computer company, things were going great for 4 years until a customer noticed that all the time i was working on their server my left hand was constantly shaking. This came as a bit of a shock, i knew it shook whilst gaming but never noticed that it now shook at other times, i think this is more to do with it happening gradually and because its gradual its not noticed by you but is blatant to anyone that does not see you that often. After a discussion with the wife a doctors appointment was made to find out what was going on.
My GP told me after looking at the shaking and getting me to perform a few hand movements that it was definitely not PD and nothing to worry about but she would make an appointment to see a specialist, in the mean time i was prescribed some tablets to try and control the shakes. Taking the tablets for the first time it became apparent within an hour that something was wrong, when the floor starts to look like its rolling like a wave and things going on around you seem in slow motion its a sure bet something aint right…. After a quick couple phone calls to the doctors surgery it became clear that i was prescribed a dose far higher than i should have been and i just had to sleep it off and then start at the correct dose.
The visit to the first specialist was a barrage of physical tests in front of him and then a repeat of the same tests for his superior after he was asked to have a look too. The outcome of the tests was that we were told i had EBT (essential benign tremors) and not to worry as a lot of people had this condition and could i visit him again in 6 months.
Two 6 monthly visits later we finally plucked up the courage to corner the specialist and ask him what he actually thought was going on as it had become obvious it wasn’t EBT. He said his personal opinion was that it was Young onset Parkinson’s Disease and that i really needed to see someone specialising in that field, he agreed to make an appointment to see a good PD specialist in London.
On the date of the meeting we duly travelled to London via train and visited a few sights while we waited for the 4:15pm appointment. My wife even managed to get me on the London Eye which is a feat in itself as I’m scared of heights LOL. We made our way to The Cromwell Hospital, a walk along a long stretch of road, a right turn down a street and we were looking at the entrance to the hospital. Now you can call us country folk but I’ve never seen so many Rolls Royces, Mercedes etc in one place, I’ve also never seen so many chauffeurs hanging around outside having a smoke. We walked through the entrance and i thought we were in the wrong place, not a nurse or doctor in sight, the place looked like a hotel with a large reception desk and plush seating everywhere (our local hospital has those horrid plastic chairs) we approached the reception desk and while waiting to be served (LOL) i overheard the receptionist tell the gentleman in front that his blood test came to £397, my chin must have connected with the floor on hearing the price we knew we would have to pay to see this specialist but now my mind was whirling with thoughts of just how much this was going to cost us. The receptionist confirmed our booking and asked us to take a seat and the specialist would come and get us when it was time, a specialist would come and get us LOL we were used to a buzzer going off and our number being displayed telling us we could now see a doctor at our local.
At 3pm Dr Bains duly greeted us and took us into a consultation room, he listened to my story making notes all the while, he asked me to draw some shapes on a sheet of paper, to write a couple of sentences then got me to stand up and proceeded to get me to perform loads of physical tests, index finger to nose to straight in front and then the other hand etc etc. After performing these tests he sat me back down and wrote on his notes for nearly 5 minutes all the while i kept glancing at my wife and we both wondered when he would speak. He eventually put down his pen, looked straight at me and said “I`m afraid i have to tell you that you have PD” talk about the carpet being pulled from beneath you..we had done some research on the internet and knew it was a possibility the diagnosis could be PD but to actually be told it was PD was devastating! He said he would arrange some scans and that we need not worry about paying just yet as they would send a bill.
We walked out of the hospital, neither of us speaking, i felt my wife’s hand grasp mine in a steel like grip and we made our way along the main road. We were walking along a main road in London and i can honestly say there wasn’t a person on the pavement and only the odd car go past us which is just as well as i could feel the tears rolling down my cheeks and if it wasn’t for the vice like grip on my hand i think i would have sat down on the spot and just blubbed away. How women are so strong in exceptional circumstances i will never know but i thank my lucky stars i married such a strong person.
We made our way back to the station and finally in a packed station we discussed how we both felt, why do women always know the right things to say?
Our train was late arriving (someone had a heart attack on the train) we sat on the train discussing various things, whether to tell the children straight away etc, we were due to swap trains 22 miles from our home but due to the delay the train was cancelled so we sat in silence the last 22 miles in a taxi eventually arriving home at midnight.
A long day that will not be forgotten in a hurry!.
Ripley
Around about 1998 i started a new job working for a local computer company, things were going great for 4 years until a customer noticed that all the time i was working on their server my left hand was constantly shaking. This came as a bit of a shock, i knew it shook whilst gaming but never noticed that it now shook at other times, i think this is more to do with it happening gradually and because its gradual its not noticed by you but is blatant to anyone that does not see you that often. After a discussion with the wife a doctors appointment was made to find out what was going on.
My GP told me after looking at the shaking and getting me to perform a few hand movements that it was definitely not PD and nothing to worry about but she would make an appointment to see a specialist, in the mean time i was prescribed some tablets to try and control the shakes. Taking the tablets for the first time it became apparent within an hour that something was wrong, when the floor starts to look like its rolling like a wave and things going on around you seem in slow motion its a sure bet something aint right…. After a quick couple phone calls to the doctors surgery it became clear that i was prescribed a dose far higher than i should have been and i just had to sleep it off and then start at the correct dose.
The visit to the first specialist was a barrage of physical tests in front of him and then a repeat of the same tests for his superior after he was asked to have a look too. The outcome of the tests was that we were told i had EBT (essential benign tremors) and not to worry as a lot of people had this condition and could i visit him again in 6 months.
Two 6 monthly visits later we finally plucked up the courage to corner the specialist and ask him what he actually thought was going on as it had become obvious it wasn’t EBT. He said his personal opinion was that it was Young onset Parkinson’s Disease and that i really needed to see someone specialising in that field, he agreed to make an appointment to see a good PD specialist in London.
On the date of the meeting we duly travelled to London via train and visited a few sights while we waited for the 4:15pm appointment. My wife even managed to get me on the London Eye which is a feat in itself as I’m scared of heights LOL. We made our way to The Cromwell Hospital, a walk along a long stretch of road, a right turn down a street and we were looking at the entrance to the hospital. Now you can call us country folk but I’ve never seen so many Rolls Royces, Mercedes etc in one place, I’ve also never seen so many chauffeurs hanging around outside having a smoke. We walked through the entrance and i thought we were in the wrong place, not a nurse or doctor in sight, the place looked like a hotel with a large reception desk and plush seating everywhere (our local hospital has those horrid plastic chairs) we approached the reception desk and while waiting to be served (LOL) i overheard the receptionist tell the gentleman in front that his blood test came to £397, my chin must have connected with the floor on hearing the price we knew we would have to pay to see this specialist but now my mind was whirling with thoughts of just how much this was going to cost us. The receptionist confirmed our booking and asked us to take a seat and the specialist would come and get us when it was time, a specialist would come and get us LOL we were used to a buzzer going off and our number being displayed telling us we could now see a doctor at our local.
At 3pm Dr Bains duly greeted us and took us into a consultation room, he listened to my story making notes all the while, he asked me to draw some shapes on a sheet of paper, to write a couple of sentences then got me to stand up and proceeded to get me to perform loads of physical tests, index finger to nose to straight in front and then the other hand etc etc. After performing these tests he sat me back down and wrote on his notes for nearly 5 minutes all the while i kept glancing at my wife and we both wondered when he would speak. He eventually put down his pen, looked straight at me and said “I`m afraid i have to tell you that you have PD” talk about the carpet being pulled from beneath you..we had done some research on the internet and knew it was a possibility the diagnosis could be PD but to actually be told it was PD was devastating! He said he would arrange some scans and that we need not worry about paying just yet as they would send a bill.
We walked out of the hospital, neither of us speaking, i felt my wife’s hand grasp mine in a steel like grip and we made our way along the main road. We were walking along a main road in London and i can honestly say there wasn’t a person on the pavement and only the odd car go past us which is just as well as i could feel the tears rolling down my cheeks and if it wasn’t for the vice like grip on my hand i think i would have sat down on the spot and just blubbed away. How women are so strong in exceptional circumstances i will never know but i thank my lucky stars i married such a strong person.
We made our way back to the station and finally in a packed station we discussed how we both felt, why do women always know the right things to say?
Our train was late arriving (someone had a heart attack on the train) we sat on the train discussing various things, whether to tell the children straight away etc, we were due to swap trains 22 miles from our home but due to the delay the train was cancelled so we sat in silence the last 22 miles in a taxi eventually arriving home at midnight.
A long day that will not be forgotten in a hurry!.
Ripley
Monday, 4 May 2009
I'm a doctor, I can cope !!
I have read the other blogs and can identify with much of what has been written.
Where my story differs is that I knew what was wrong but tried over many months to ignore it as being the usual vivid imagination of a medic. At the age of 42 I had been qualified as a doctor for 20 years and had been a GP for major part of that time.
I told no one of my fears. Eventually I could stand it no longer and went to my GP and told her I wanted referring to a neurologist because I had PD. I don’t think she really believed me but referred me anyway.
When the consultant received the letter he rang me at home to come to his clinic that day (I know how lucky I am to have had such a professional courtesy). My husband was at home when I took the call and this was the first time he knew anything was wrong!
He was devastated as he learnt in under 2 hours what I had been denying to myself for 6 months-I had PD and he knew what that meant-the internet “enlightened” him more when he got home –unfortunately completely wrong –he thought Id be dead by 7-8 years post diagnosis and that is complete rubbish-stressful for both of us to say the least. Perhaps others can begin to understand my hatred of misinformation on the internet; it devastated our lives for many months.
The people who were let in on the news were but a handful. I didn’t want my kids to know and was worried that someone would let slip some comment. They were approaching GCSE’s and Alevels. They were not told for over 4 years and they have told me that they are glad they didn’t know but feel guilty at not being there for me.
I was used to getting on with things by myself and not needing outside help, not letting my guard down, I was the helper, supporter, carer and I could cope. And I was a GP so I knew about illness, why would I need a support group! And to admit to the thought of not being in control was terrifying.
Realising that you can talk to others who understand and that you actually cope better by sharing with them is quite a new experience for me.
Finding PDUK through PDS forum transformed my life and I have met some remarkable people who have helped me in practical and psychological terms. The 2 way support -being able to help and be helped in return has been such a positive feature in my life.
The sense of isolation has diminished so much and also I have found it easier to discuss with "old" friends after learning to be more open with "new" PD friends. A very major step for a control freak.
I have always been a glass half full sort of person, and having lost several friends in their 40’s who will never see their kids graduate, marry, have kids etc, I still see my present and future positively-prefer to be cured like everyone-but I have discovered that there are lots of opportunities and activities I never knew about or had the time for to explore whilst waiting for the cure-but if the cure happened tomorrow that would not be a day too soon!
Karen
Where my story differs is that I knew what was wrong but tried over many months to ignore it as being the usual vivid imagination of a medic. At the age of 42 I had been qualified as a doctor for 20 years and had been a GP for major part of that time.
I told no one of my fears. Eventually I could stand it no longer and went to my GP and told her I wanted referring to a neurologist because I had PD. I don’t think she really believed me but referred me anyway.
When the consultant received the letter he rang me at home to come to his clinic that day (I know how lucky I am to have had such a professional courtesy). My husband was at home when I took the call and this was the first time he knew anything was wrong!
He was devastated as he learnt in under 2 hours what I had been denying to myself for 6 months-I had PD and he knew what that meant-the internet “enlightened” him more when he got home –unfortunately completely wrong –he thought Id be dead by 7-8 years post diagnosis and that is complete rubbish-stressful for both of us to say the least. Perhaps others can begin to understand my hatred of misinformation on the internet; it devastated our lives for many months.
The people who were let in on the news were but a handful. I didn’t want my kids to know and was worried that someone would let slip some comment. They were approaching GCSE’s and Alevels. They were not told for over 4 years and they have told me that they are glad they didn’t know but feel guilty at not being there for me.
I was used to getting on with things by myself and not needing outside help, not letting my guard down, I was the helper, supporter, carer and I could cope. And I was a GP so I knew about illness, why would I need a support group! And to admit to the thought of not being in control was terrifying.
Realising that you can talk to others who understand and that you actually cope better by sharing with them is quite a new experience for me.
Finding PDUK through PDS forum transformed my life and I have met some remarkable people who have helped me in practical and psychological terms. The 2 way support -being able to help and be helped in return has been such a positive feature in my life.
The sense of isolation has diminished so much and also I have found it easier to discuss with "old" friends after learning to be more open with "new" PD friends. A very major step for a control freak.
I have always been a glass half full sort of person, and having lost several friends in their 40’s who will never see their kids graduate, marry, have kids etc, I still see my present and future positively-prefer to be cured like everyone-but I have discovered that there are lots of opportunities and activities I never knew about or had the time for to explore whilst waiting for the cure-but if the cure happened tomorrow that would not be a day too soon!
Karen
Sam - Fighting PD
I have Parkinson's disease and im here to share my story and fight this disease with everything I have got!!
I first noticed a tremor in the little finger of my left hand when I was 19. I ignored it at first thinking it was probably a sports injury or trapped nerve, as at the time I was going to the gym and swimming 5 days a week. I also trained in martial arts 6 days a week for at least 4 hours every day. I started feeling really stiff and tired after training, a lot more than normal; I just thought this was due to the amount of sport I was doing every week, and that I was just overdoing it a bit. About 2 months later, my mum asked me if I was OK. 'What do you mean?' I replied. She told me she had noticed that my walking was not so much a walk but a shuffle and I was hunched over. I looked like an old lady walking down the road, not a 19 year old just starting out in life. She had also noticed that all my movements were slow and that I was dragging my left leg. Eventually, after I had completely worn out the side of my trainers, and the fact that I could not stop tremoring or even move normally, I decided to go and see the doctor. The fact that my mum had been nagging me for the last 5 months to go to the doctors, also probably had something to do with it.
So off I go to the doctor. After lots of poking, prodding and blood tests, I was referred to a neurologist, who said two little words that were to have a massive impact on the rest of my life. Those words were 'Parkinson's Disease'. By this time the tremor had spread to my hand and not only was I shuffling, but I was also very stiff and moving very slowly. The neurologist did all the poking, prodding and blood tests that my doctor had done, plus a few more and a million questions to get a full medical history. I also had MRI scans and tests to rule out just about everything you can imagine. This happened over the course of 2 years.
By the time I was 21, I had 2 neurologists. One doctor said I definitely had PD, but the second doctor did not believe that someone as young as I was at the time, could possibly have PD. Eventually I went to a third neurologist who also thought it was PD. My doctor started me on Parkinson’s medication to ultimately confirm the diagnosis. The drugs worked.
Since then I have gone on to complete and gain a PhD in chemistry and a 1st class LLB law degree. So here I am, its 2009, im now 28 years old and have been living with Parkinson’s for over 9 years. Without medication I cannot function, but with the meds comes the side-effects. It's a raw deal, but I decided it was time to stand up and fight. So look out PD, because here I come!!
"You can give Parkinson's all the room it needs, but never give it all the room it wants!" -
Sam Clarke 2009
I first noticed a tremor in the little finger of my left hand when I was 19. I ignored it at first thinking it was probably a sports injury or trapped nerve, as at the time I was going to the gym and swimming 5 days a week. I also trained in martial arts 6 days a week for at least 4 hours every day. I started feeling really stiff and tired after training, a lot more than normal; I just thought this was due to the amount of sport I was doing every week, and that I was just overdoing it a bit. About 2 months later, my mum asked me if I was OK. 'What do you mean?' I replied. She told me she had noticed that my walking was not so much a walk but a shuffle and I was hunched over. I looked like an old lady walking down the road, not a 19 year old just starting out in life. She had also noticed that all my movements were slow and that I was dragging my left leg. Eventually, after I had completely worn out the side of my trainers, and the fact that I could not stop tremoring or even move normally, I decided to go and see the doctor. The fact that my mum had been nagging me for the last 5 months to go to the doctors, also probably had something to do with it.
So off I go to the doctor. After lots of poking, prodding and blood tests, I was referred to a neurologist, who said two little words that were to have a massive impact on the rest of my life. Those words were 'Parkinson's Disease'. By this time the tremor had spread to my hand and not only was I shuffling, but I was also very stiff and moving very slowly. The neurologist did all the poking, prodding and blood tests that my doctor had done, plus a few more and a million questions to get a full medical history. I also had MRI scans and tests to rule out just about everything you can imagine. This happened over the course of 2 years.
By the time I was 21, I had 2 neurologists. One doctor said I definitely had PD, but the second doctor did not believe that someone as young as I was at the time, could possibly have PD. Eventually I went to a third neurologist who also thought it was PD. My doctor started me on Parkinson’s medication to ultimately confirm the diagnosis. The drugs worked.
Since then I have gone on to complete and gain a PhD in chemistry and a 1st class LLB law degree. So here I am, its 2009, im now 28 years old and have been living with Parkinson’s for over 9 years. Without medication I cannot function, but with the meds comes the side-effects. It's a raw deal, but I decided it was time to stand up and fight. So look out PD, because here I come!!
"You can give Parkinson's all the room it needs, but never give it all the room it wants!" -
Sam Clarke 2009
Saturday, 25 April 2009
An Optimistic View by Annie
Winston Churchill said “I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use being anything else. ” Which is very much how I feel in relation to Parkinson's. There is no point in being anything else, there is nothing I can do about it. There is no point in fighting it. There is no point in railing against it. Why me? Becomes, Why not me?
Was it always thus? No, it wasn't. It has taken nearly four years to reach this plateau.
It started with a tremor in my arm. I ignored it, a trapped nerve I thought. My GP reassured me it was not Parkinson's; not much of a reassurance since if it wasn't, what was it? MS, a tumour, motor neurone disease? He referred me to a neurologist who watched me walk in. a few tests and “I'm afraid you have Parkinson's,” he said.
The world, for a split second, stopped turning for me. I retreated into a silent dark place where fear and panic attacked my soul like black birds of prey. “Are you all right?” his voice echoed from far away. “I'm fine,” I lied.
Such emotions did not last, they could not, I would not permit them. I'd deal with this.
Without the medication I was put on I wonder if I would have dealt with this in the way I have – how fortunate we are. Without the support of my loving family and friends I doubt I would have coped – how lucky I am. It could have been worse is my chosen mantra. It won't kill me. Some days it hurts like hell. Some days I cry.
But I am an optimist. Something will turn up, a cure will come. For I remind myself that optimism and hope are kissing cousins.
Annie B
Was it always thus? No, it wasn't. It has taken nearly four years to reach this plateau.
It started with a tremor in my arm. I ignored it, a trapped nerve I thought. My GP reassured me it was not Parkinson's; not much of a reassurance since if it wasn't, what was it? MS, a tumour, motor neurone disease? He referred me to a neurologist who watched me walk in. a few tests and “I'm afraid you have Parkinson's,” he said.
The world, for a split second, stopped turning for me. I retreated into a silent dark place where fear and panic attacked my soul like black birds of prey. “Are you all right?” his voice echoed from far away. “I'm fine,” I lied.
Such emotions did not last, they could not, I would not permit them. I'd deal with this.
Without the medication I was put on I wonder if I would have dealt with this in the way I have – how fortunate we are. Without the support of my loving family and friends I doubt I would have coped – how lucky I am. It could have been worse is my chosen mantra. It won't kill me. Some days it hurts like hell. Some days I cry.
But I am an optimist. Something will turn up, a cure will come. For I remind myself that optimism and hope are kissing cousins.
Annie B
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
My journey with Parkinson's
It was in the fall of 1999 and I was frantically making appointment after appointment with my doctor to as certain what was wrong with me. My husband had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and I was trying to accept that and was just learning what I was to confront with that horrible monster. I was sure something was very physically wrong. However, at this time, I was diagnosed with a deep depressive illness and was put on antidepressant. I couldn't accept the fact that my tremor in the left hand was psychological as the psychiatrist said. After a few months, I made an appointment with a neurologist and was subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's. The Requip was begun , however I had a very difficult time adjusting to the medication. The neurologist persevered and eventually I had no more adverse side effects.
It is now 2009 and my condition has progressed very slowly ( or so my doctor tells me). I now have added carbodopa/levadopa to the Requip and still am able to live alone, drive my car, and generally be independent. I do have difficulty getting around in the morning, have my housework done by someone I hire, .
My friends are wonderful with me and are very helpful and patient. They do not understand though the inward pain and anxiety I have. I suppose no one but another PD sufferer can empathize with me properly. I suffer from insomnia and suppose always will. I am determined to live my life as fully as possible and sometimes I go when I have to use a cane to lean on for strength. I am so thankful that we have this forum to share our victories and defeats.
Posted by Bunny
It is now 2009 and my condition has progressed very slowly ( or so my doctor tells me). I now have added carbodopa/levadopa to the Requip and still am able to live alone, drive my car, and generally be independent. I do have difficulty getting around in the morning, have my housework done by someone I hire, .
My friends are wonderful with me and are very helpful and patient. They do not understand though the inward pain and anxiety I have. I suppose no one but another PD sufferer can empathize with me properly. I suffer from insomnia and suppose always will. I am determined to live my life as fully as possible and sometimes I go when I have to use a cane to lean on for strength. I am so thankful that we have this forum to share our victories and defeats.
Posted by Bunny
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Smurf - Down Under
Hi I am a new member. I became member of the Parkinsons Club 7yr ago, but others had noticed little things earlier but had not said anything. A year prior to diagnosis I had just started teaching, and was still new, keen and enthusiatic. One of my student would often ask if I had a big weekend, not being a drinker, it took me a long time to realise he must have seen my tremours.
I also started to learn to horse ride, I was told it takes 100 falls to make a good rider, I was going to be fantastic at the rate I was having unplanned dismounts. I went to GP who referred me to neurologist with maybe a touch of Parkinson's. In the intervening 4 weeks I was riding my wifes horse and came off at a canter onto a rock wall, breaking my arm.
The neuro suggested i dont ride anymore, I didn't listen to that bit, and with the aid of some good drugs, I have come of my horse less in the last 7 yr than that year before diagnosis, I certainly have not gone any slower riding, in fact I am jumping. The neuro said riding was good exercise, but didn't like the jumping.
I will never look elegant riding, but it has given me a lot of pleasure through some very difficult years. My horse Zac is a very naughty boy when I am on the ground, he has bitten me and many others and he can be just plain difficult, pulling back etc. But when I am riding he looks after me, like when I slip to the left he will often bounce me back to the center of the saddle. If I m not sitting correct coming t a jump he will just slow to a walk and not go over.But for an old Appy he has a turn of speed and has been clocked by GPS doing 44 kmh.
As with many of the men with early onset Parkinson's my wife left me, but after a couple of years she has become a good friend. I have remarried a lovely lady from Thailand.
I finnished teaching a year ago, teaching electronics became very difficult, fine soldering and everything had to be typed, which was taking me forever, plus by te afternoon I was so tired I felt like I was a zombie, finding it hard to lift one foot in front of another.
I am still involved on the board of DattaVic, Design and Technology Teachers Assoc. And provide some professional development. I also tinker about my house, it just takes lot longer these days.
I live in Geelong, Victoria,Australia
Smurf
I also started to learn to horse ride, I was told it takes 100 falls to make a good rider, I was going to be fantastic at the rate I was having unplanned dismounts. I went to GP who referred me to neurologist with maybe a touch of Parkinson's. In the intervening 4 weeks I was riding my wifes horse and came off at a canter onto a rock wall, breaking my arm.
The neuro suggested i dont ride anymore, I didn't listen to that bit, and with the aid of some good drugs, I have come of my horse less in the last 7 yr than that year before diagnosis, I certainly have not gone any slower riding, in fact I am jumping. The neuro said riding was good exercise, but didn't like the jumping.
I will never look elegant riding, but it has given me a lot of pleasure through some very difficult years. My horse Zac is a very naughty boy when I am on the ground, he has bitten me and many others and he can be just plain difficult, pulling back etc. But when I am riding he looks after me, like when I slip to the left he will often bounce me back to the center of the saddle. If I m not sitting correct coming t a jump he will just slow to a walk and not go over.But for an old Appy he has a turn of speed and has been clocked by GPS doing 44 kmh.
As with many of the men with early onset Parkinson's my wife left me, but after a couple of years she has become a good friend. I have remarried a lovely lady from Thailand.
I finnished teaching a year ago, teaching electronics became very difficult, fine soldering and everything had to be typed, which was taking me forever, plus by te afternoon I was so tired I felt like I was a zombie, finding it hard to lift one foot in front of another.
I am still involved on the board of DattaVic, Design and Technology Teachers Assoc. And provide some professional development. I also tinker about my house, it just takes lot longer these days.
I live in Geelong, Victoria,Australia
Smurf
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Diagnosis Day or "D-Day" by Carol
I remember the day of my diagnosis, Tuesday 29 January 2008, like you would remember other significant days in your life such as your wedding day and the birth of your children. I’d always had restless legs which is quite common but for at least 6 months (I cant remember exactly how long) I had a ‘fidgety’ left leg. I’d finally gone to the Drs who prescribed some medication which he said was sometimes used for people with Parkinson’s. Perhaps being naive I did not think anything more of that comment, after all only old people get Parkinson’s! How wrong I was. After a couple of months on the meds, there was no improvement so he referred me to a neurologist and again I thought nothing of this, thinking he’ll say it’s a trapped nerve, stress or nothing in particular. So off I trotted to the hospital after work thinking this is a waste of time. Well within 10 minutes of being in the room and the consultant asking me a couple of questions and doing a few movements, he said “Well I’m afraid it’s bad news, you have Parkinson’s”. From then on it felt surreal, as if I wasn’t in the room and this was something happening to someone else. I broke down in tears and asked the usual questions “Will I be in a wheelchair?”, “Will I have to give up work?” (not that work is that important to me!), etc . He just continued to talk whilst I cried. I just couldn’t get out of the room quick enough, in all I must have been there less than 15 minutes and my whole world had been turned upside down.
From then on I kept asking why me, this shouldn’t be happening to me, it happens to other people. I remember being out in public and looking at complete strangers and thinking have they got it or why haven’t they got it, particularly if they looked unhealthy, were overweight or smoked. Not very nice I know. But all these and other spiteful thoughts ran through my head.
Well the last year has been different to say the least and I think I am getting on with my life the best way I can and I have stopped crying at the mention of Parkinson’s. The positives of having Parkinson’s is I hope I have more understanding and empathy for people with disabilities and chronic conditions like I would like them to have for me. It makes you realise what is important and what isn’t and to not put things off what you want to do and do them now! I’ve also met and talked to some lovely PWP on forums and the support I’ve received has literally been a life saver and I hope I can always help and support them. I don’t know what the future holds and in 5/10 years time when I read this I may feel differently, who knows, so I’ll try to live for today.
Carol, always trying to keep smiling and laughing .
From then on I kept asking why me, this shouldn’t be happening to me, it happens to other people. I remember being out in public and looking at complete strangers and thinking have they got it or why haven’t they got it, particularly if they looked unhealthy, were overweight or smoked. Not very nice I know. But all these and other spiteful thoughts ran through my head.
Well the last year has been different to say the least and I think I am getting on with my life the best way I can and I have stopped crying at the mention of Parkinson’s. The positives of having Parkinson’s is I hope I have more understanding and empathy for people with disabilities and chronic conditions like I would like them to have for me. It makes you realise what is important and what isn’t and to not put things off what you want to do and do them now! I’ve also met and talked to some lovely PWP on forums and the support I’ve received has literally been a life saver and I hope I can always help and support them. I don’t know what the future holds and in 5/10 years time when I read this I may feel differently, who knows, so I’ll try to live for today.
Carol, always trying to keep smiling and laughing .
Monday, 9 March 2009
Trish's Diagnosis
The first time I began to worry about what was wrong with me, was when my husband and daughter were walking behind me on a day out with family in July 07, and teased me about the way I walked… ‘Your left arm’s not moving mum’ said my daughter, ‘and you seem to be limping’.
I had been worrying about my slowness, my lack of co ordination, and my shaky left hand for a while. The doctor had put things down to the menopause, but deep inside I knew it was more than that. So once more I took myself to my GP, and this time told him about my lack of arm swing and the tremor. A different look appeared on his face as he said he would refer me to a neurologist.
The appointment came, and clashed with Richard being abroad with work. ‘Not to worry’ I said, ‘I’m sure I won’t be diagnosed straight away, there will be tests I expect’.
How wrong I was…
I went alone to my appointment. The neuro did some tests on me, and before I knew what was going on, he sat me down and gave me the diagnosis…’’ You have Parkinson’s ‘’ he said, looking me straight in the eye. ‘’Here is the PDS website, and do you want to know anything else? I will send a letter to your Gp, and see you again in 4 months, when we will discuss starting you on medication.
‘Thank you’’ I said..
He looked at me and said ‘ I don’t think you really mean that do you?’
As I walked home I felt numb.. I knew nothing about PD.. what should I expect for the future? Would I still be able to work? Or Drive?
How would I tell the family? I felt the tears come, as I walked through my front door.
I felt so alone and frightened. How could I have Parkinson’s? Surely I was too young I told myself as I sobbed.
Telling Richard on the phone was awful… we both cried, and he felt bad not being with me when I needed him.
Its hard to believe this was almost 2 years ago, and things have not been anywhere near as scary as I thought they would be.. I am now on Requip XL, which helps a lot, and am still working on maternity 3 days a week, and still driving.
Yes I get tired, find it a struggle to get ready for work on time, things take me longer to do, I get help with the ironing… but life is still good… and the friends I have made by joining the forums have helped me enormously to come to terms with having this horrid illness. To talk to others who understand what I am going through has made a traumatic time bearable.
My family have been wonderful, and the love and support they give me every day is invaluable and much appreciated. My mum gets upset sometimes and says it should be her not me, but I reassure her that things are not so bad.
Yes I have PD, but I’m still enjoying life!
Trish
Still smiling
I had been worrying about my slowness, my lack of co ordination, and my shaky left hand for a while. The doctor had put things down to the menopause, but deep inside I knew it was more than that. So once more I took myself to my GP, and this time told him about my lack of arm swing and the tremor. A different look appeared on his face as he said he would refer me to a neurologist.
The appointment came, and clashed with Richard being abroad with work. ‘Not to worry’ I said, ‘I’m sure I won’t be diagnosed straight away, there will be tests I expect’.
How wrong I was…
I went alone to my appointment. The neuro did some tests on me, and before I knew what was going on, he sat me down and gave me the diagnosis…’’ You have Parkinson’s ‘’ he said, looking me straight in the eye. ‘’Here is the PDS website, and do you want to know anything else? I will send a letter to your Gp, and see you again in 4 months, when we will discuss starting you on medication.
‘Thank you’’ I said..
He looked at me and said ‘ I don’t think you really mean that do you?’
As I walked home I felt numb.. I knew nothing about PD.. what should I expect for the future? Would I still be able to work? Or Drive?
How would I tell the family? I felt the tears come, as I walked through my front door.
I felt so alone and frightened. How could I have Parkinson’s? Surely I was too young I told myself as I sobbed.
Telling Richard on the phone was awful… we both cried, and he felt bad not being with me when I needed him.
Its hard to believe this was almost 2 years ago, and things have not been anywhere near as scary as I thought they would be.. I am now on Requip XL, which helps a lot, and am still working on maternity 3 days a week, and still driving.
Yes I get tired, find it a struggle to get ready for work on time, things take me longer to do, I get help with the ironing… but life is still good… and the friends I have made by joining the forums have helped me enormously to come to terms with having this horrid illness. To talk to others who understand what I am going through has made a traumatic time bearable.
My family have been wonderful, and the love and support they give me every day is invaluable and much appreciated. My mum gets upset sometimes and says it should be her not me, but I reassure her that things are not so bad.
Yes I have PD, but I’m still enjoying life!
Trish
Still smiling
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Keep Smiling by Charmaine
hi
it was the year 1998 when i noticed my right arm was swollen, i was 36. went to gp couldn't find an explanation told me lose some weight it may help. this went on for about two years or more, then we took my son back to portsmouth in the year 2000, when we had a horrific crash on the motorway car was a right off but we all survived me having the worst a bit of whip lash and bruising, after that things settled but i did notice my little finger started to twitch right side again. this went on for years, went back and for gp but nothing.2003 we lost our grandaughter, so things were awful in our house trying to come to terms with that as well as these symptoms i was getting,by 2004 i was becoming a nightmare to live with, never really noticed at the time but i iwas moody,nasty, i was struggling to get through the day but because the gp said he could find nothing well you just get on with it.gary had a massive heart attack so i had to deal with that as well, i had to be strong for him and the children, 2005 i went back to gp, this time he sent me to the hospital, so i went to see this 2nd in command he said he thought it was benign essential tremor, me being green thought ok, went to work carried on but struggling to work and shop for a family of five, i was exhausted and becoming nasty.apparently i had no facial features i was mask like but my family never told me..i would look striaght through them if they were talking to me.this one particular day i decided to have my tarot cards read and she told me to get a second opinion at the hospital so i did i had an appointment through on 4th august 2006 at 10.30am walked in he said you have pd no oquestion about it, through tears the only thing i could say was is it hereditary he said no.i came over all relieved, but i had not heard of pd so did not know what to expect,the nurses were marvellous they knew my sis was working that day on eye clinic so they took me to see her we had a hug and i couldn't stop crying. from that moment on i knew i had two choices i could either give up or fight,(which was not really an option i had to be strong gor my children) so i went on the internet trying to find any thing i could about pd and how to deal with it.my dad doesn't think any thing is wrong with me, he's a classic bury your head in the sand type of guy.i couldn't let my kids see me give up i had to fight for them to be as strong as i can, even now when my kids are with me 26,25,19 i put on a act. it's wrong i know but that's me. the one thing i don't like is people who hardly now me ask how are you, would they ask if nothing is wrong with you, people treat you differently.
hope this isn't too long charmaine
it was the year 1998 when i noticed my right arm was swollen, i was 36. went to gp couldn't find an explanation told me lose some weight it may help. this went on for about two years or more, then we took my son back to portsmouth in the year 2000, when we had a horrific crash on the motorway car was a right off but we all survived me having the worst a bit of whip lash and bruising, after that things settled but i did notice my little finger started to twitch right side again. this went on for years, went back and for gp but nothing.2003 we lost our grandaughter, so things were awful in our house trying to come to terms with that as well as these symptoms i was getting,by 2004 i was becoming a nightmare to live with, never really noticed at the time but i iwas moody,nasty, i was struggling to get through the day but because the gp said he could find nothing well you just get on with it.gary had a massive heart attack so i had to deal with that as well, i had to be strong for him and the children, 2005 i went back to gp, this time he sent me to the hospital, so i went to see this 2nd in command he said he thought it was benign essential tremor, me being green thought ok, went to work carried on but struggling to work and shop for a family of five, i was exhausted and becoming nasty.apparently i had no facial features i was mask like but my family never told me..i would look striaght through them if they were talking to me.this one particular day i decided to have my tarot cards read and she told me to get a second opinion at the hospital so i did i had an appointment through on 4th august 2006 at 10.30am walked in he said you have pd no oquestion about it, through tears the only thing i could say was is it hereditary he said no.i came over all relieved, but i had not heard of pd so did not know what to expect,the nurses were marvellous they knew my sis was working that day on eye clinic so they took me to see her we had a hug and i couldn't stop crying. from that moment on i knew i had two choices i could either give up or fight,(which was not really an option i had to be strong gor my children) so i went on the internet trying to find any thing i could about pd and how to deal with it.my dad doesn't think any thing is wrong with me, he's a classic bury your head in the sand type of guy.i couldn't let my kids see me give up i had to fight for them to be as strong as i can, even now when my kids are with me 26,25,19 i put on a act. it's wrong i know but that's me. the one thing i don't like is people who hardly now me ask how are you, would they ask if nothing is wrong with you, people treat you differently.
hope this isn't too long charmaine
Saturday, 28 February 2009
My Other Family by Jane
My life was good.
I was part of a very supportive and loving family who have always been there for me.
Then I began to become aware that my handwriting was getting smaller, I seemed to be slowing down, I developed a limp when I was tired and I was struggling to keep going. I was exhausted
In February 2002, at the age of 46, I was diagnosed with PD.
I can remember being partly relieved because I had imagined something far worse.
My immediate reaction was that I could do something about it. Perhaps by eating the right foods, exercising, taking a pill or two the condition would improve. I began to realise that I couldn’t make things better. PD was here to stay the damage had been done
For a long time I dealt with it on my own (or so I thought). It wasn’t happening to me. I distanced myself from my family. I didn’t know another PWP. I didn’t think I needed to. As far I was concerned I was coping.
I have always found it difficult to talk to people about myself
I would happily listen to other people’s worries but I couldn’t share mine.
A friend suggested I looked on the internet to see if there was a forum
It would be up to me if I joined in.
I followed her advice and started ‘talking’ to another PWP with very similar symptoms and began to realise I wasn’t on my own there were people who understood exactly how I felt physically and mentally and I could talk to them about anything and everything.
It was like being part of a large family I began to feel more positive about the future I was in control again I was able to start planning .
Then in August 2007 I was dx with breast cancer.
Relief, fear, anger it was all there.
This time I had the support of two families.
I was able to talk about how I felt at any time of the day and night
I count myself very lucky to have become part of another family.
Jane
I was part of a very supportive and loving family who have always been there for me.
Then I began to become aware that my handwriting was getting smaller, I seemed to be slowing down, I developed a limp when I was tired and I was struggling to keep going. I was exhausted
In February 2002, at the age of 46, I was diagnosed with PD.
I can remember being partly relieved because I had imagined something far worse.
My immediate reaction was that I could do something about it. Perhaps by eating the right foods, exercising, taking a pill or two the condition would improve. I began to realise that I couldn’t make things better. PD was here to stay the damage had been done
For a long time I dealt with it on my own (or so I thought). It wasn’t happening to me. I distanced myself from my family. I didn’t know another PWP. I didn’t think I needed to. As far I was concerned I was coping.
I have always found it difficult to talk to people about myself
I would happily listen to other people’s worries but I couldn’t share mine.
A friend suggested I looked on the internet to see if there was a forum
It would be up to me if I joined in.
I followed her advice and started ‘talking’ to another PWP with very similar symptoms and began to realise I wasn’t on my own there were people who understood exactly how I felt physically and mentally and I could talk to them about anything and everything.
It was like being part of a large family I began to feel more positive about the future I was in control again I was able to start planning .
Then in August 2007 I was dx with breast cancer.
Relief, fear, anger it was all there.
This time I had the support of two families.
I was able to talk about how I felt at any time of the day and night
I count myself very lucky to have become part of another family.
Jane
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Briony's Journey
Revelation
The letter from the hospital was reassuring and told me that the results of my MRI scan were normal. I was unconcerned and went alone to see the Neurologist. After watching me walk down the corridor with no arm-swing, he told me I had Parkinson's disease. For a moment I was speechless then all I could say was "Will I go bonkers?”. He thought not. At first he made light of the condition saying that I could live a normal life –almost. But as I left he reached out, shook my hand and said he was terribly sorry because I was too young at 47. That's when I knew it was serious.
Resentment
After frantically scouring the Internet I discovered the world of Parkinson's. It was frightening and had a language of its own: Bradykinesia and cog-wheeling sounded uncomfortable, drooling, freezing and hallucinations were alarming, but the words progressive and incurable kept echoing in my head. This disease was a kill-joy that would terminate my job and stifle my enthusiasm. Many offered sympathy, others unhelpful advice such as "Be positive" or "You're lucky you haven't got cancer". Even M.J.Fox titled his book “Lucky Man”. I didn’t feel the least bit lucky, but just a loser. These early years were the worst and dominated by diminishing self confidence and anxiety. I resented the way that Parkinson’s was changing me and I was beginning to lose my identity.
Resignation
I was unprepared for the relief that medication brought and four years after diagnosis my condition and outlook improved. I had accepted the inevitable and started taking Levodopa; the change was remarkable and I began to feel revived. My limbs unlocked, my left arm swung again, I could run, swim and drive. But most important I got back my personality and began to laugh. I would accommodate this disease and I was in control again and saw a positive future ahead. These were to be my good years or “Parkinson’s honeymoon”, when PD would know its place in this arranged marriage.
Realisation
One sunny afternoon in September 2006, just after I had retired from teaching I sat in the garden, scruffy from weeding, and realised that I was free. I was responsible to no-one, I no longer had to meet targets and it was a relief to have quit the race and to move along in the slow lane. Since then I have been creative, pursuing those interests which I never had time for and making new friendships. Parkinson's has changed my life but it has not crushed by spirit. It has presented me with obstacles, but also opportunities and in the grand scheme of things, I now consider myself lucky
Briony
The letter from the hospital was reassuring and told me that the results of my MRI scan were normal. I was unconcerned and went alone to see the Neurologist. After watching me walk down the corridor with no arm-swing, he told me I had Parkinson's disease. For a moment I was speechless then all I could say was "Will I go bonkers?”. He thought not. At first he made light of the condition saying that I could live a normal life –almost. But as I left he reached out, shook my hand and said he was terribly sorry because I was too young at 47. That's when I knew it was serious.
Resentment
After frantically scouring the Internet I discovered the world of Parkinson's. It was frightening and had a language of its own: Bradykinesia and cog-wheeling sounded uncomfortable, drooling, freezing and hallucinations were alarming, but the words progressive and incurable kept echoing in my head. This disease was a kill-joy that would terminate my job and stifle my enthusiasm. Many offered sympathy, others unhelpful advice such as "Be positive" or "You're lucky you haven't got cancer". Even M.J.Fox titled his book “Lucky Man”. I didn’t feel the least bit lucky, but just a loser. These early years were the worst and dominated by diminishing self confidence and anxiety. I resented the way that Parkinson’s was changing me and I was beginning to lose my identity.
Resignation
I was unprepared for the relief that medication brought and four years after diagnosis my condition and outlook improved. I had accepted the inevitable and started taking Levodopa; the change was remarkable and I began to feel revived. My limbs unlocked, my left arm swung again, I could run, swim and drive. But most important I got back my personality and began to laugh. I would accommodate this disease and I was in control again and saw a positive future ahead. These were to be my good years or “Parkinson’s honeymoon”, when PD would know its place in this arranged marriage.
Realisation
One sunny afternoon in September 2006, just after I had retired from teaching I sat in the garden, scruffy from weeding, and realised that I was free. I was responsible to no-one, I no longer had to meet targets and it was a relief to have quit the race and to move along in the slow lane. Since then I have been creative, pursuing those interests which I never had time for and making new friendships. Parkinson's has changed my life but it has not crushed by spirit. It has presented me with obstacles, but also opportunities and in the grand scheme of things, I now consider myself lucky
Briony
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Deb's new friends
It seems quite difficult to start this on a positive note, but what I feel most is that PD (Parkinson’s Disease) has not destroyed my life. It has made it different, and difficult, at times, but I still get a thrill out of life. I feel much more positive and alive now than I did when diagnosed in March 2003.
2003 was an awful year. In March I was diagnosed with PD, and in April I was having surgery for breast cancer, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. So 2003 was basically a write off. I became depressed, isolated myself from friends and life was very, very difficult. I went back to work in 2004, although only part time, and eventually stopped working in 2006, when I could no longer cope with it. That was another period for adjustment, and for starting to take PD medication.
What has turned my life around since diagnosis, is the friends I have made through forums on the internet. I have actually met and spent time with many of them. Some have come to stay with me, and some I have gone to stay with. Others I meet up with for days out, and some I talk to on the phone. They are incredibly valuable to me.
There is no denying the fact that there are bad days with PD, but there are also good days, and I think that happens in life generally. I know that I’d still have bad days without PD.
So, I’d like to say that I have not allowed PD to dominate my life, but I have adjusted my life to accommodate PD. I believe there is always a way of accomplishing what you’d like to achieve, even if it’s more difficult. It’s about being creative to overcome the problems, and that gives me great joy and a sense of achievement when I manage to do so.
One last thing – it’s still o.k. to blow your top when you’re having a hard time – because it’s not always a good day.
There’s a lot more to say, but I could go on for ever, so I think this is enough for now.
Deb
2003 was an awful year. In March I was diagnosed with PD, and in April I was having surgery for breast cancer, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. So 2003 was basically a write off. I became depressed, isolated myself from friends and life was very, very difficult. I went back to work in 2004, although only part time, and eventually stopped working in 2006, when I could no longer cope with it. That was another period for adjustment, and for starting to take PD medication.
What has turned my life around since diagnosis, is the friends I have made through forums on the internet. I have actually met and spent time with many of them. Some have come to stay with me, and some I have gone to stay with. Others I meet up with for days out, and some I talk to on the phone. They are incredibly valuable to me.
There is no denying the fact that there are bad days with PD, but there are also good days, and I think that happens in life generally. I know that I’d still have bad days without PD.
So, I’d like to say that I have not allowed PD to dominate my life, but I have adjusted my life to accommodate PD. I believe there is always a way of accomplishing what you’d like to achieve, even if it’s more difficult. It’s about being creative to overcome the problems, and that gives me great joy and a sense of achievement when I manage to do so.
One last thing – it’s still o.k. to blow your top when you’re having a hard time – because it’s not always a good day.
There’s a lot more to say, but I could go on for ever, so I think this is enough for now.
Deb
Monday, 16 February 2009
Chris and the Forum
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in February 2004 at the age of 51.I walked into the Consultants Room with a limp and shuffled out 30 minutes later with Parkinson's Disease. I had absolutely no idea why I had been referred to a Neurologist I had not considered any option beyond a trapped nerve. My diagnosis took only a few minutes, my case was not marginal, no scans were needed to confirm the diagnosis. My head was in a spin, my life would never be the same again. I had an incurable critical illness!
To start with I was in denial, I did not want to take the drugs and wanted absolutely nothing to do with anyone else with Parkinson's Disease. But I decided that knowledge was power and set about discovering as much as I could about this illness. I read books, researched on the internet and joined a couple of Internet Parkinson's Forums. Joining the Forums was, with hindsight, the turning point in really coming to terms with life with Parkinson's. I made friends with other PWP, shared highs and lows and coping strategies. The support I received was so unexpected and now I cannot imagine life without my them. I have also met up with many of them and been astonished how well we all got on, there was an almost instant bond.
My life has changed completely since that dreadful day in February 2004 but I still have a very good life, it's a very different life but I also have so many new friends that I would never have encountered otherwise. I started a Forum with the intent of trying to provide a place of friendship and support for people with Parkinson's Disease and I hope it will help members and visitors in the way that Forums have helped me. I am sure you will find it a very friendly and welcoming Forum."
Click on this link to see Forum Home Page:
FORUM
Chris
To start with I was in denial, I did not want to take the drugs and wanted absolutely nothing to do with anyone else with Parkinson's Disease. But I decided that knowledge was power and set about discovering as much as I could about this illness. I read books, researched on the internet and joined a couple of Internet Parkinson's Forums. Joining the Forums was, with hindsight, the turning point in really coming to terms with life with Parkinson's. I made friends with other PWP, shared highs and lows and coping strategies. The support I received was so unexpected and now I cannot imagine life without my them. I have also met up with many of them and been astonished how well we all got on, there was an almost instant bond.
My life has changed completely since that dreadful day in February 2004 but I still have a very good life, it's a very different life but I also have so many new friends that I would never have encountered otherwise. I started a Forum with the intent of trying to provide a place of friendship and support for people with Parkinson's Disease and I hope it will help members and visitors in the way that Forums have helped me. I am sure you will find it a very friendly and welcoming Forum."
Click on this link to see Forum Home Page:
FORUM
Chris
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