About me

PROFILE:
I have been writing poetry and stories since I was a child, and a love of reading was instilled in me from an early age. I am passionate about writing, and hope you enjoy the books I have written. Whilst most of you sleep soundly in your beds, like many Parkinson’s patients, insomnia dictates, so during those hours that sleep eludes me, the house is tranquil and quiet, an atmosphere perfect to immerse myself in writing. My life has been a series of strange events, which have without doubt contributed to my creativity. To publish anything is to bear one’s soul to the world. It is to stand naked and let everyone see who you really are. I have poured my heart and soul out on paper and I hope to share this journey, immersing you in a story, capturing your attention and firing the imagination. Through my writing and public speaking I hope to bring greater awareness to the general public about living with chronic disease.

Friday, January 15, 2016

Parkinson’s Out In Public

Considering how many millions of people around the world live with Parkinson’s, I used to wonder why I saw so few fellow sufferers out and about. Now that my personal condition has advanced, I understand only too well why people with Parkinson’s tend to avoid public places and remain hidden away.

I rarely leave the safe confines of my home these days, and am beginning to feel like a recluse in training! Parkinson’s affects my life, and that of my husband, in every way, and I have to admit, recently my confidence has been shaken (forgive the pun) and I think twice about going out. Feeling very vulnerable when out, nowadays I wouldn’t go anywhere by myself. My shaky legs, unsteady and very weak, feel as if they are no longer strong enough to hold me. Falling is an enormous worry, and is to be avoided at all costs. I’m afraid that someone will push past me accidentally causing me to fall over. The domino effect of ramifications which would ensue a fall are huge.

Since the only predictable thing about Parkinson’s is it’s unpredictability, I can never know with full certainty when I am suddenly going to experience an “off” episode. To be out in public whilst “off” is an uncomfortable feeling to say the least. It may present varying symptoms for different people. For me the effects include: hardly being able to walk - my calf muscle pulls painfully causing me to walk awkwardly on the side of my foot. Unable to swallow properly, my breathing becomes erratic and laboured, I’ve a blank expression on my face and as if that wasn’t embarrassingly enough, just for good measure, my toes start to painfully cramp and curl under!


Imagine all this happening in the presence of strangers! Keeping ones composure takes every ounce of willpower and precious energy. It’s no wonder why Parkinson’s sufferers don’t venture out.

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