[Matt Eagles]

Ive lived with Juvenile Onset Parkinson’s for 50 years and i used to dislike the term ‘Parkie’ but as the years have past I have come to realize that not taking myself and the inevitable falls and awkward situations that befall me seriously enables me to cope much better. If I took every situation seriously I would become a very bitter, angry person and think woe is me. I choose not to and feel much better as a result .

Parkie is a term I know embrace as a part of a wonderful community of people

[Matt Eagles]

I was diagnosed on my 7th birthday in 1975 , I would go downhill rapidly if I had to retire. It keeps me motivated and out meeting people – im coming up to my 55th birthday in Novemeber

[Matt Eagles]

It certainly can be but with the advent of the internet people and advice become so much more accessible. I was diagnosed in 1975 and went well over 20 years without knowing anyone else with Parkinson’s even existed let alone someone as young as I was.
One problem is the perception and impact we think our condition has on others and as consequence the embarrassment and sadly shame people feel when out in public .
My advice?

Never ever be embarrassed about being authentically you in public and never be ashamed to ask for or accept help from complete strangers. It’s a win-win for everyone. People get an enormous sense of well-being helping others and we get the help we need (:)

[Matt Eagles]

I learn from everyone I meet with Parkinson’s they are all my heroes despite living with Juvenile On-set Parkinson’s for 50 years myself. The ability to cope with such a devastating diagnosis requires a great deal of resilience and PWP and the community globally have it in bucket loads

[Matt Eagles]

hi guys ,
I was diagnosed with juvenile onset parkinsonism on my 7th birthday in 1975 and I had DBS surgery in 2006 . Its really has been super helpful for me and I am now on my third battery which, thankfully, is rechargeable.
One piece of advice that I would like to share that Ive learnt over the years is that switching your stim on and off or constantly changing it using the controller isn’t particularly helpful. It takes about three months for my brain to get back to normal after Ive had it switched off . The effect of course is instant but be prepared your brain is an extremely complex organ .

[Matt Eagles]

Thanks Ally (:)