Having been termed ‘a slow burner’ by my Parkinson’s Nurse, I may have been lulled into a false sense of security. For the past six years since being diagnosed, I have had little change in my presentation up to now.
Recently, however, I have noticed some changes in myself such as worsening memory, voice changes and most of all when active, finding from time to time that my legs were really heavy. It had become challenging for me to be able to play bowls, with the heaviness making it difficult to get up and down from the greens and also – at times – to be able to deliver the standard of bowling I had become accustomed to.
Because of the changes, I decided to go to my GP and he agreed that my concerns and noticing of changes needed to be looked into by the specialist Parkinson’s Nurse. After doing some basic tests on me and asking me questions about what symptoms had been concerning me, she confirmed that I needed a change in medications. I was very pleased with the outcome of the meeting, as I felt heard and that there was a solution to the problem, which was a great relief.
Since getting on the medications, I have certainly noticed a positive change in my presentation. While not completely aware of it, I have been ruminating and checking in with myself how I feel about these changes. I have been asked two to three times this week, if I am OK. I have reassured them that I am OK. I am not sad, I am not scared I am just processing what the changes me for me. It obviously means a progression of my Parkinson’s, but the level of increase in medications was not huge, so the change must not be huge!
I am pleased that I took the step to go to the Parkinson’s Nurse before the changes had taken too much away from me and I perhaps might have progressed further without the assistance of medications.
Have a wee listen to my podcast, it might interest you and perhaps inspire you – if you too are noticing changes – to get yourself checked out.
For me, I would rather know exactly what is happening for me and what can be done about it.
Knowledge is power and the more knowledge I have about my personal Parkinson’s journey, the more I can feel that I am in control.
Here is my podcast, if you would like to have a listen.
