Moira

In 2000 (11 years ago when I was 45), I was at the gym on the rowing machine and I noticed that it seemed like my right side was doing all the work. My left side just felt like it was tagging on for the ride and not putting the same effort in as the right side. Not terribly worried about this, I just continued on.

Looking back , there were other subtle warning signs that something was amiss.

I’d be walking and my left arm would just hang and not swing, my left fingers would always curl into a clenched position, and one day playing with my kids, twisting and contorting our fingers into funny shapes,  I noticed I couldn’t do certain finger movements with my left hand.

I was an experienced teacher / lecturer who had always been confident in delivering my classes, but I began to notice that occasionally I would shake and tremble in front of my students. I was sure it couldn’t be nerves as I’d done this hundreds of times before. I thought it was odd.

Forward to 2006.

At a routine visit to my GP for an unrelated ailment I happened to mention that I had a twitching little finger on my left side that seemed to have a mind of it’s own . My GP immediately sent me for a brain scan (just to make sure I hadn’t had a minor stroke ) and made a neurologist’s appointment for me. My initial experience left me very apprehensive.  The neurologist laughed and scoffed at all my suggestions of possible neurological disorders, except when I mentioned motor neuron disease and she stared solemnly at me and recommended I  get a second opinion.

After an agonizing 6 week wait for my appointment, I saw another neurologist who was wonderful  and assured me immediately it was only Parkinsons Disease.

At first hearing the words Parkinsons Disease I felt absolutely devastated. I felt I was immediately going to turn into a totally shaking and trembling mess. I’d seen old people with the disease and thought maybe there’s a mistake. I’m too young. I decided I’d keep the diagnosis to myself . Not tell anyone. It was too painful.

Unfortunately this backfired. In confidence, I told a family member who decided it was too exciting news not to pass on and before I knew it I had people calling me to see if I was ok. I was so distraught I couldn’t talk.

It took a year before I could come to terms with the diagnosis.

Now, I am happy to talk to anyone and explain what Parkinsons is to those that feel it is just an old person’s disease.

My routine has changed. My work schedule has changed. I now listen closely to myself and do as much as I can do to rest when I need to.  I still row most days at the gym and I see an amazing sports physiologist (Ben) once per week. I’m sure all this has helped.

My motto – Use it ,move it, or lose it. I won’t let Parkinsons take over my life.