MY JOURNEY WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

I had been ignoring my growing unwellness for many years, believing that, when I was ready, I could get help and become well again. I thought I was too busy with more important things to worry about some health issues.

My older son had died in 1983, my marriage had ended in 1989, and I lost my management career in 1990. This was followed by a time of unemployment, virtual bankruptcy, then work in hospitals as an Operating Theatre Technician. Escalating symptoms including tremor, stammer, dragging right leg, and deteriorating sleep patterns seemed less important than rebuilding a career and saving some money.

In 1995, my symptoms were too severe to ignore and I sought help from a physician who quickly diagnosed Parkinson's disease and noted my family history – both my Grandmother and Father had Parkinson's disease. I was referred to a Professor of Neurology who read my referral letter and prescribed antidepressants.

Within a short time, a Neurosurgeon, Osteopath, Homeopath, another Surgeon and Naturopath/Dietician all diagnosed Parkinson's disease. My symptoms were so classically Parkinson's disease that it seemed impossible to not reach this conclusion. While my Neurologist offered drug support, I wanted to think about it for a while, so sought advice, support and information from research papers, doctors, complementary therapists and Parkinson’s Victoria. I decided to try and improve my quality of life without drugs while I could.

I kept a journal throughout my journey, and some facts stand out. When I meditated, my symptoms reduced. When I laughed (or even pretended to laugh) my symptoms reduced. I spent two years seeing a counsellor each month and noticed that, when I was able to resolve issues from childhood or other parts of my life, my symptoms reduced. Sometimes symptom alleviation was for short time only, but always welcome.

This time with Parkinson's disease (mid 1995 to mid 1998) was hell. For 2 ½ years I struggled with dreadful symptoms, pain, poor sleep, loneliness, poor balance, festinating walk, severe tremor (hands, arms, head, right leg) and isolation from most of my family and friends. I was ignored or opposed by some doctors, but supported by several Complementary Medicine practitioners.

I discovered some homeopathic remedies that seemed to help alleviate symptoms, bodywork that reduced my pain and tremor, and reconstructed the way I viewed my place in this world. Since then, I have assiduously followed a modified Palaeolithic diet, maintained daily meditation, laughed as often as I could, exercised, consumed at least 1.5 litres of water daily, and sought help with stress when it seemed necessary.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease but, with focus, dedication and faith, we can improve our quality of life, reduce our symptoms, and live well.

John Coleman