My journey with Parkinson's

We have all probably heard of enablers who encourage unhealthy activities or actions. But it is disablers, that this focusses on. People in our lives who take away our ability to do for ourselves and become less able through not being encouraged to be independent.

Parkinson's is not just the physical symptoms that people might recognise. It is so much more and can be quite different for each individual.

My first day back at bowls for over a year. I had some challenges to overcome and some self advocacy that was needed, but I am proud that I managed as well as I did after so long away.

It may sound strange, but I often find myself feeling perhaps like a "normal" person - if there is such a thing - and forgetting for a moment in time that Parkies is along for the ride.

I am challenged by my recovery and can get frustrated with myself that I am not fully recovered yet. I need to cut myself some slack!

A comparison of the support that can be funded if you have an accident in NZ versus the support that is funded for those of us with a condition that means we need to stop work or have other financial needs.

A bit early for Spring, but I have been in declutter mode for the past few weeks and it feels good to get things in order.

This podcast is about uncluttering ourselves, our hearts and our minds of all the negative things that have happened in our lives and the positives we can take from them.

I have been in spring clean or nesting mode this past week or two. Having a clear out of things that I felt I needed in the past and no longer need. Starting afresh as I move forward into the future.

The podcast is about how we are all individuals who may all be trying to manage lives with Parkinson's, but it is important that we are still acknowledged for our individual needs.

A few thoughts on the importance of recognising that a person with Parkinson's experiences their Parkinson's in their own unique way.

Finally today I feel like I have closed the chapter on my life as a Social Worker and with that, I have reclaimed my right to live my life on my terms.

Advocating for your needs and ensuring you get the information you need is very important. Some, I have heard have had up to 3 years trying to get a diagnosis and that can be very difficult. In my blog www.parkiesandme.com I did a post about the challenges of getting a diagnosis. This is the starting point of advocating for yourself in this journey of ours.

A new thing, now I have foot problems!

Meeting with my Parkinson's Nurse and she described me as "an anxious person" . Both my husband and I were surprised and didn't think of me that way.

A lovely day today with my 89 year old uncle and my 11 year old grand-daughter. I wanted to share my thoughts and gratitude for sharing time with both of them.

Our recent trip to Rarotonga, held some surprises for me. I am slowly starting to progress I think. Here are some thoughts about things happening on our lovely Pacific Island getaway.

This was the first time we had travelled internationally for a long time. Things are slowly progressing with my Parkinsons and I am noticing a few changes. Here's my thoughts on our latest overseas trip to Rarotonga.

After years of chronic pain, I feel I am finally fighting my way back to a 'normal' life where my life is not all about how much pain I have. Feeling very positive.

In a previous life I was with an abusive husband. I am fortunate that I now have the most supportive husband I could wish for. We are a vulnerable group of people with Parkinson's and being with an abusive partner carries with it extra risk due to that vulnerability.

Memory and memories are important to us. What do you do to help preserve your memory and exercise your brain?

Inspired by my going to a talk about continence today, I thought I would write a wee (get it) poem about the subject.

Thoughts on love in many forms.

Another wee poem about ageing.

Just a wee short poem about ageing.