Diagnosis – My journey with Parkinsons

Parkinson’s is it hereditary and would I want to find out?

I was reading a post on a Facebook page that I follow for people affected by Parkinson’s and the writer questioned whether Parkinson’s was hereditary. Having had both my parents diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it seems that there must be an element of genetics involved. But, I am not a researcher or a scientist and IContinue reading “Parkinson’s is it hereditary and would I want to find out?”

I can pick a Parkies – do I ask?

Yesterday was a good day. My first ever Tournament playing bowls. This was the culmination of two full day coaching sessions and an opportunity to put learning into practice. This was a big day for me and I was incredibly nervous. I had the nervous wees and other things! I’m not sure exactly why IContinue reading “I can pick a Parkies – do I ask?”

Exercise is Medicine… but I can’t take any…

We are just over a week back from our wonderful UK holiday. I have been buoyed up by all our adventures, but now it is back to the reality of life. Not that this is a bad thing necessarily! One thing that is becoming increasingly difficult for me to manage is the significant pain inContinue reading “Exercise is Medicine… but I can’t take any…”

Someone asked me about my Parkinson’s today

After several weeks of our holiday, we have had a balance of time with family and time on our own. Currently we are staying at my sister-in-law’s farm and having a family weekend. It has been six years since we have all been together and two children have been born into the family since weContinue reading “Someone asked me about my Parkinson’s today”

Parkies people and personality

It seems that I frequently notice changes in the person that I am due to my diagnosis, but often in a positive way. My husband’s mother used to be someone who would strike up a conversation with anyone when she was out and about. We would often joke about it and give her cheek. WeContinue reading “Parkies people and personality”

What would I tell my newly diagnosed self…

I am a member of a Parkinson’s Facebook group and find it very helpful hearing from others with this condition. It is a very positive group and they have themes on it like ‘Talent Tuesday’ where you are encouraged to share a skill or talent you have. Other days have other themes, but always youContinue reading “What would I tell my newly diagnosed self…”

A pain in the arse…

Parkies is a pain in the arse… quite literally, or maybe not? Now that doesn’t really make sense perhaps, but here’s the deal. For some time now I have had a pain basically in my left buttock that then sends excruciating pain down my left leg. The pain’s favourite time to do this is aroundContinue reading “A pain in the arse…”

Finding – and training – a new GP

For the last at least 10-15 years I have had the same GP and so has my husband. He has seen me through diagnosis of depression (many years ago), arthritis (and operations to replace finger joints for this), a Hiatus Hernia, Esophageal Dysmotility (swallowing issues) and most recently of course, Parkinson’s. Sometimes, rightly or wrongly,Continue reading “Finding – and training – a new GP”

Why are doctors reluctant to refer?

I met with someone recently who I know and who I was unaware has also recently been diagnosed with Parkies. They are in the early stages – just six weeks ago – and very much going through the ‘Grief and Shock’ stage. Their story struck a chord for me for many reasons. I remember theContinue reading “Why are doctors reluctant to refer?”