I am a wiser 50 year old now, but four years ago I was a mess. My health was unravelling and I was starting to question my sanity! I’ve been working for the same company for 20 years and really enjoy my work as a risk engineer, visiting industrial sites, mines and power stations across Australia and overseas.
The changes were quite insidious at first, a little tremor, then restless legs, and then irrational anxiety. Suddenly I was not coping with work or even social situations. I got really run down and in the space of six months was hospitalised twice, first for an undiagnosed infection, then for appendicitis. I went to my GP for the anxiety; he prescribed anti-depressants, which I refused to take. After I insisted, he referred me to a neurologist, who diagnosed me with essential tremor and told me to get on with life!
Six months later I was worse, at times I couldn’t leave the house and was having lots of time off work. I found a new GP who referred me to an experienced neurologist (Andrew Churchyard). I had to wait for 3 months for an appointment, but after 5 minutes he confirmed what I already knew – Parkinson’s! The initial shock was quickly replaced by relief, at least I knew what it was, and it wasn’t a tumour or motor neuron disease. I count myself as one of the luckier ones!
The next nine months were a roller coaster, trying Amantadine, then Sinemet, interspersed with a range of complimentary therapy, most of which didn’t work. Some helped, and it felt good to get my health back under some control, but it wasn’t until we introduced Sifrol into the mix that I really felt good. The initial couple of weeks on Sifrol were quite disturbing, but quickly I improved, finding that the tiredness went away and I was back in control !
Now after 3 years on Sinemet and Sifrol I am starting to wriggle and dance the dyskinesia shuffle. I am living life large - working full time, renovating our new home on the beach at Frankston, sailing all summer with my son and losing 20 kilograms in the process. Some of you might recognise the compulsive effects of Sifrol, but for me they have been positive, channelling my energy into the things I enjoy.
The next few years will be interesting, but I am optimistic about the prospects for DBS and further down the track, gene therapy? I want to keep working, and I have had great support from my family, friends and employer.
Life is good, and I am out to enjoy it! I plan on getting more active in the support of Parkinson’s awareness, not sure how yet, but my brother and I are kicking around ideas for a big adventure fundraiser. Any suggestions?