[Phil Brown]

Hi Ally  My symptoms began when I was 44 and I finally received my PD diagnosis at 46 after many doctor visits.  I am now 53, still working full time (albeit from home due to COVID).  I haven’t missed a day of work (except for when I have to see my doctor).  My wife and I have been married now 32 years and she is very supportive.  Working from home for over three years now has probably been the greatest challenge.  People I used to work with have gone back to the office but due to what I do I am not able to as yet. So I don’t see them at all, and only see other work colleagues by video-link.  Also having to work from home limits your opportunity to get out.  We do like to go walking together on weekends when the weather is good and I also enjoy cycling.  I am also still driving which is good.

[Phil Brown]

II have had PD since 2014.   have been on neupro patch for about 18 months.   Significantly reduces my tremors.  I am on 2mg/24hr.  When I first started my neurologist said after a few weeks I could go up to 4mg.  I tried that but the side effects were terrible including nausea and fainting a couple of times.  I went back to 2mg and the side effects stopped.  My wife thinks it even helps my mood.  She says I get more stressed if I forget to put it on.  I wear it on the upper arm close to the shoulder.   I had some skin irritation at the start but not so much now.  If the skin does become irritated I find a zinc oxide cream helps.  When I saw my neurologist in May she said there was great improvement since I have been on the patch.  I am seeing her again in a few days so hopefully will be a bit more improvement.

 

[Phil Brown]

I have played music since the age of 8. I have a Yamaha keyboard at home and also play piano.

Could not imagine my life without music.  Parkinson’s has not affected my ability to play as yet so I will keep going as long as I can

[Phil Brown]

I got my diagnosis of Parkinson’s in 2016 at the age of 46

[Phil Brown]

This is when problems began. The referral got lost and it was six months before I got to the clinic. They said they would do a report and I should see my doctor in about a month. The report took nine months to get done.

[Phil Brown]

I noticed some movement in my right hand. I monitored it for a few weeks and eventually took myself off to my doctor. I had a brain CT the next morning and saw a neurologist a few weeks later. They referred me to a special tremor study clinic in Melbourne (I am in Australia)

[Phil Brown]

My journey began in early 2014 when I was 44.

[Phil Brown]

My wife and I play board games every weekend.  We are very fond of Ticket to Ride.  I also enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles.

[Phil Brown]

I am in regional Victoria in Australia. I was diagnosed in 2016 age 46.  Symptoms began in 2014

[Phil Brown]

Thank you Ally.  Nice to be here

[Phil Brown]

I too was surprised to see another Victorian here.  But it is good to have someone else from here.  Cheers.   Phil

[Phil Brown]

Hi Annie  I am in Ballarat