kiwipommysue

Peer Support

I have worked in a number of jobs where there have been support groups available for people with certain health conditions in common. These groups can be invaluable as people often have similar shared experiences and knowledge of what has – or hasn’t – helped for them. It reminds me of when I was aContinue reading “Peer Support”

Exercise is Excellent

I have been guilty in recent times to coming home from a busy day at work and ‘blobbing’ on the couch. My excuses were many and varied, but basically pretty weak. My husband and I used to regularly tramp in the Port Hills in Christchurch but for one reason and another this had got lessContinue reading “Exercise is Excellent”

It’s OK to feel overwhelmed!

Today life has crept up on me and I feel overwhelmed! It’s not just the recent diagnosis – although that’s quite enough, thank you very much – but a collection of ‘life stuff’ alongside it. As I’ve said previously, I have had bouts of depression in the past and some days I would wake upContinue reading “It’s OK to feel overwhelmed!”

Legally speaking

Let’s talk Enduring Power of Attorney! Many people do the ‘adult thing’ and get life insurance and do their Will for their wishes to be known when they are no longer here to voice them. But there is another scenario that comes up all the time in my work that people often don’t think of.Continue reading “Legally speaking”

I asked for help today…

Parkies or no Parkies, I think of myself as a professional woman who is usually confident in the work that I do. I admit that in part my confidence has been a bit rocked, but basically pre-diagnosis and post-diagnosis I am still that functional professional woman. I have always had high expectations of myself andContinue reading “I asked for help today…”

A Poem about Parkies

I’ve always written poems It’s just been what I do But this will be a poem Of something that’s quite new My poems; they are mostly Designed to raise a laugh But with this subject matter It’s more than a job and a half I can’t say the diagnosis Has beenContinue reading “A Poem about Parkies”

Discussing the future

It is important to me, that I enjoy life here and now and don’t dwell on what might happen in the future too much. After all none of us have a crystal ball to predict what the future holds, with or without any kind of diagnosis. However, for me there was a conversation I feltContinue reading “Discussing the future”

Excellent Exercise

I’ve been told that research shows that exercise makes a big difference to the lives of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Not just a stroll to the letterbox, but – if you can manage it – exercise that gets you striding out, increasing your heart rate and working your limbs. Recently we went for a walkContinue reading “Excellent Exercise”

Magical Medication

I was placed on medication as soon as I had my diagnosis and already it has made a difference. I sleep better, my tremors – which were intermittent anyway – have diminished to the point, they hardly occur at all. My sense of smell has returned, I can smell perfume like I haven’t for years. Continue reading “Magical Medication”

Travel, memories and moments

I told my brothers as soon as I had the diagnosis. As I said to my husband, for the next 10 years and more – I’m aiming for at least 20 – we are going to spend time with those we love, build beautiful memories and live life to the full! We will travel –Continue reading “Travel, memories and moments”