Movers and Shakers: episode 2 - diagnosis
We have been overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception for Movers and Shakers, our new podcast about Parkinson’s. What moved us most were the messages from people who have Parkinson’s or their family members telling us how comforting it was to hear it discussed by some familiar voices:
“Having listened to it (all the while chuckling at the incorrigible Mr Paxman), l immediately feel less isolated, and also reassured that life goes on,” said one.
“I have already heard more minutes of intelligent, articulate discussion of experiences of PD than I have previously heard in my 8 years of diagnosis,” wrote another of our fellow “Parkies”.
We were also tremendously flattered and gratified to be described by Peter as “a Parkinson’s supergroup” and compared to the Traveling Wilburys. Looking through the band members, it is clearly Jeremy who is Bob Dylan - brilliant, if cantankerous - but I think I will settle for Roy Orbison.
Episode 2 is about how we first noticed something was wrong and how we got diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Clearly, some people had a reasonably good experience - if learning you have an incurable degenerative disease can ever be positive - but too many of us were left disoriented and confused by what the doctor told us.
Gillian Lacey-Solymar was told not to tell anyone about her diagnosis because it might depress them, Mark Mardell virtually had to persuade his consultant that he did have Parkinson’s, while the junior doctor that saw me said I was exhibiting `’symptoms of Parkinsonism” which I found a less than satisfactory way of explaining things.
Here are a couple of clips which give a flavour of the podcast. First, Paul Mayhew-Archer is always able to see the funny side of bad news:
Whereas Jeremy Paxman concedes that he is inclined to take a glass half-empty view:
Some people said it was difficult to find an Android version of the podcast but it has now finally popped up on Google Podcasts.
And iPhone users can find it here:
If you like Movers and Shakers please give us a review. And you can get in touch via Twitter (@moversand6), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/146780564990635) or by emailing us at feedback@moversandshakerspodcast.com
Rory, I’m new to M&S and as the partner of a ‘Parky’ it was so good to hear others share, discuss and laugh at the experiences we’ve had over the last 12 years. I’ve just listened to the Young Onset episode and was shocked to hear you talking about your annual visit to your consultant. Hilary (72) has not seen her consultant since the day she was diagnosed. She sees the Parkinson’s Nurse every Six to eight months but not the consultant. She was told in November that she should see a consultant but as yet we have no date for this to happen. The show also tackled the problems with benefits. We weren’t told that Hilary would qualify for PIP until last year, 11 years of lost payments! A few years ago I noticed that it was possible to get a Disabled Persons Rail Card and was stunned find that with hearing aids I qualified but with Parkinson’s Hilary didn’t!
very interesting podcast made me laugh and nearly cry when i thought back to when i was told of my diagnosis