I have Parkinson’s Disease. Sometimes I let it take over my life.

I let it in. I allow it to sit at my table with my family. Sometimes I forget that others are suffering with their own illness, ailment or disease.

Sometimes all I can do is moan about it and let it ruin my day – I allow Parkinson’s to be ‘what I do’ 24/7. I have spent many a night awake downstairs, making websites, paying for domains, just obsessing about trying to help others like me. Coming up with ideas about how I can be the exception to the rule. I have battled trolls, ignorance and stigma but I have also spent it battling those who, in their minds, are doing the same as me. I am sorry. I am. Just because you approach Parkinson’s in a way which may seem alien to me- that’s my problem often- the fear of becoming a nobody sits heavy on my shoulders. Keep doing what you do- that is something that should be valued by us all – the community.

On August 31st I hit 12 years of living consciously with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Diagnosis. You see, when you get that diagnosis, you become an undergraduate. Then you get your masters. Your PHD and then, if you are still able, you go on and outlive the career of the neurologist or the nurse because you have it for life and, if like me, you got DX at a young age (29 for me) then you are going to have to do it the hard way. From the odd GP appointment to repeat prescriptions, pill boxes and a completely messed up view of time. Time for your next med, time for your next appointment, what time will my medications kick in and what time to I take my next handful of Pills?

You see, the world you once knew hasn’t changed but the you have.

Everything you took for granted – the same. But the way in which you Interacted with the world has changed and thats the frustrating part. From how you put your trousers on in the morning, how long it takes you to eat lunch.

What you eat and when you eat, even. The scenarios are endless.

I have Parkinson’s Disease. But I shouldn’t let it get take over my life.. but often i do. I’m only human, just like you.

DS