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