I am 84 next week and was diagnosed six months ago with Parkinsons in much the same manner as Mike's (my name is Mike too)...told: "you've probably had it for thirty years".
As a matter of fact I quite like this man and his matter of fact approach but he'd better beware.... I have a history of outliving my doctors.
Thirty years ago I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition by a very cheerful young doctor who told me: "you'll be in a wheelchair the rest of your life" ... all bollocks...he died ten years later. As (recently) did the guy who did my hip replacement ten years ago.
Like you Rory i still work but have had to cut my hours back to fifty a week.
I did mean to contact you about an arts project I'm organising through my gallery.. 'Shakers and Movers' for painters with significant tremmor (the more significant the better)..... this is NOT a joke... we've got a head start on the dreadful Jackson Pollacks of this world.
Not sure whether ‘congratulations’ are the right thing to send but on the whole I think they are...so congratulations! My 16th anniversary is next week and ikwym re pondering the impact of the dx. I was told I could work for at least 10 years (I was 38) so pretty devastating. In the end I lasted about five but I also had a second child so didn’t stop only due to PD. loving M&S btw.
I’m reading Ruskin Park: Sylvia, Me and the BBC, and like all your writing it’s compulsive reading, Rory. You draw the reader in, every time. I loved Always On and bought several copies for friends. We miss your tv reports but your books and newsletters are a delight. Thank you, Happy New Year and take good care.
Those 'good 5/10' year neurologists really need an education - since DX I have taken on more - now running my own gallery as well as still designing shows - the former born out of lockdown & evaporation of show work .. If we give up engaging our minds we will disengage our bodies. Our value does not need a sweeping reduction by ill-informed consultants, etc. Keep going!
Husband was diagnosed almost the same date as you - although I suspected it for quite a while before so it wasnt a great shock. He hasnt been too bad but this past 12 months has taken its toll. Im always on his case re being as active as he can and it does seem to have helped so far.
My husband has just been diagnosed, so I'll be following you. We are hopeful that once his meds kick in, he can live well with Parkinson's for many years.
Hi Rory! Congrats on the 5 years. My brother has had PD for 15 years and still able to manage most daily items, including cooking. Quality of life can be improved with PD... learned that via the school of hard knocks. Medical programs do not deal with or understand the daily life with PD. This means focused on the metabolism issues of PD. Even with PD, the body still needs to metabolize. Love to get into a discussion on this matter.
8 years in and enjoying Nordic Walking, boxing and high intensity exercising. Continued working until 65. Could have continued beyond that but decided to spend time with grandchildren and also see the world and do stuff I never thought I would. Lucky to have good local PD community. Exercise is the key.
I am 84 next week and was diagnosed six months ago with Parkinsons in much the same manner as Mike's (my name is Mike too)...told: "you've probably had it for thirty years".
As a matter of fact I quite like this man and his matter of fact approach but he'd better beware.... I have a history of outliving my doctors.
Thirty years ago I was diagnosed with a serious heart condition by a very cheerful young doctor who told me: "you'll be in a wheelchair the rest of your life" ... all bollocks...he died ten years later. As (recently) did the guy who did my hip replacement ten years ago.
Like you Rory i still work but have had to cut my hours back to fifty a week.
I did mean to contact you about an arts project I'm organising through my gallery.. 'Shakers and Movers' for painters with significant tremmor (the more significant the better)..... this is NOT a joke... we've got a head start on the dreadful Jackson Pollacks of this world.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Mike
I quite like Pollack
Not sure whether ‘congratulations’ are the right thing to send but on the whole I think they are...so congratulations! My 16th anniversary is next week and ikwym re pondering the impact of the dx. I was told I could work for at least 10 years (I was 38) so pretty devastating. In the end I lasted about five but I also had a second child so didn’t stop only due to PD. loving M&S btw.
I’m reading Ruskin Park: Sylvia, Me and the BBC, and like all your writing it’s compulsive reading, Rory. You draw the reader in, every time. I loved Always On and bought several copies for friends. We miss your tv reports but your books and newsletters are a delight. Thank you, Happy New Year and take good care.
Those 'good 5/10' year neurologists really need an education - since DX I have taken on more - now running my own gallery as well as still designing shows - the former born out of lockdown & evaporation of show work .. If we give up engaging our minds we will disengage our bodies. Our value does not need a sweeping reduction by ill-informed consultants, etc. Keep going!
Husband was diagnosed almost the same date as you - although I suspected it for quite a while before so it wasnt a great shock. He hasnt been too bad but this past 12 months has taken its toll. Im always on his case re being as active as he can and it does seem to have helped so far.
Happy DxDay!
My husband has just been diagnosed, so I'll be following you. We are hopeful that once his meds kick in, he can live well with Parkinson's for many years.
Hi Rory! Congrats on the 5 years. My brother has had PD for 15 years and still able to manage most daily items, including cooking. Quality of life can be improved with PD... learned that via the school of hard knocks. Medical programs do not deal with or understand the daily life with PD. This means focused on the metabolism issues of PD. Even with PD, the body still needs to metabolize. Love to get into a discussion on this matter.
8 years in and enjoying Nordic Walking, boxing and high intensity exercising. Continued working until 65. Could have continued beyond that but decided to spend time with grandchildren and also see the world and do stuff I never thought I would. Lucky to have good local PD community. Exercise is the key.
ooh, what's the next book?