Disability Discrimination and ignorance…

I am a member of a very supportive Facebook Page for people with Parkinson’s in Australia and New Zealand. It is for the most part a positive page and a great forum for discussion about the things that affect us Parkies folk! I read with concern a post by a member of the group, whoContinue reading “Disability Discrimination and ignorance…”

Talking about it…. not talking about it!

This week we had a meeting of our regular Peer Support Group which is held at a local club. We meet as a group of people Under 65 years and most are reasonably recently diagnosed. It is great to meet with a group of people who understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s first-hand. ItContinue reading “Talking about it…. not talking about it!”

I am a Woman and my body is amazing!

I was sitting on my exercise bike this afternoon and in front of me are pictures of my children and a single photo of my oldest son who passed away. Looking at the photo of the four of us together, I found myself marvelling – not for the first time – that I was ableContinue reading “I am a Woman and my body is amazing!”

Don’t give up the struggle…. let people know you need help!

This can be a tough old life with Parkies. Not just for the Parkies person themselves but also for their partner and often for their wider family/whanau group too. As someone who fiercely holds onto their independence, it is sometimes difficult to put my hand up and say that I am struggling. However, I haveContinue reading “Don’t give up the struggle…. let people know you need help!”

Feeling… Fragile, Frustrated and Fearful!

With each day that passes a little bit more of my usual resilient self seems to be steadily chipped away. Being in constant pain, just makes me more emotional in so many ways. Now, after working out that I can’t in all likelihood get an operation to replace my painful knee, we are facing havingContinue reading “Feeling… Fragile, Frustrated and Fearful!”

A bit of black humour with the grandies…

This weekend I have had the grandgirls staying again and baking etc. We spent all day baking inside yesterday and as it is a beautiful sunny day today, I got the girls to put down their devices and come outside and play some games. I have a number of wooden outdoor games to play whenContinue reading “A bit of black humour with the grandies…”

No-one can help me till I help myself!

I have frankly admitted in recent times that life has been more than a bit of a struggle at the moment. Health issues – not related to Parkies – especially the dreaded knee, have been getting on top of me. While I don’t consider myself controlling, I do like to be in control of myContinue reading “No-one can help me till I help myself!”

Precious memories of a precious son….

The year 2020 was one of the most difficult years of our lives. We had COVID to deal with, lock downs and my diagnosis on 15/12/20. The most significant and difficult thing that happened that year though was that my oldest son Adam passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from an undiagnosed heart condition. TheContinue reading “Precious memories of a precious son….”

Let’s talk about the future…

There are many things that as adults we need to consider at some point in the future. Especially, as we age it is important that those that love and support us know what our wishes are. This is not an easy thing to think about or talk about, but can be very important not justContinue reading “Let’s talk about the future…”

Taking control…

I have had a couple of weeks of difficult challenges in my life, relating not only to my health, but also to my work environment. Working in a challenging and stressful role can sometimes become overwhelming. So too, with my health. There are many things that I cannot control about my health. Much as IContinue reading “Taking control…”