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, May 25, 2018

Problems with swallowing and speech


It has been 11 years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and like most patients over the years I have tried a varied cocktail of pills, trying to find the right balance and effective treatment possible. Pills come in every colour imaginable and vary in size and shape.

What mystifies me, is how some medications, that are expressly for Parkinson’s disease are sometimes quite large making them difficult to swallow, causing panic. Why have pharmaceutical companies not thought of this problem? With today’s technology, how difficult can it be to make pills small, instead of producing some large enough to make one wonder if they are intended to be taken orally or put elsewhere?

Apart from size, surely it's possible to coat all pills in a hard candy like shell, instead of the powdery outer coating that can get stuck if not swallowed quickly, sticking to the roof of one’s mouth or worse still at the back of the throat, disintegrating in one’s mouth instead of being swallowed.

For many Parkinson’s patients, swallowing can become problematic. I am fortunate enough to have weekly sessions with a highly professional charming doctor who specializes in swallowing and speech therapy. I try to do the exercises several times a day, as part of my daily regime.

It’s been a busy week and am looking forward to the weekend. Wishing you all good health – until next Friday, it’s over and out from me!

3 comments:

  1. You make a valid point! I wonder why large stores don't
    have the occasional chair for folks who can't stand for
    long periods but aren't ready for a wheelchair.

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  2. You are right on the mark about the pills. My husband has Parkinson’s and has difficulty swallowing. I admire you tremendously and as his caregiver you have inspired me to be more cheerful and less “controlling”.
    The world should hear your story. I wake up in the morning wondering how you are today. Aloha from Hawaii.

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