Wobblygirl

My car hand break light was on all the time – and beeped. I took it to our usual mechanic who couldn’t find anything wrong and said he’d have another look next service. Today I discovered a small black Vietnamese sweet was stuck under the handbrake – a present from a lady in our PD exercise class. I’m feeling very clever and can’t wait to tell the…[Read more]

We worked as volunteer teachers in Vietnam 2000-2002 in an area which had been heavily contaminated with Agent Orange. I was diagnosed in 2018, but looking back I realise I had symptoms for some time. No idea if the pesticide was the cause, but there is no PD in my family. Then again, though, why is my husband OK? Is there a genetic predisposition…[Read more]

Adelaide Australia.

I can’t eat chocolate. I used to love it and I’m still tempted from time to time – but it just makes me feel sick. Also I seem to sneeze a lot. It’s a bit embarrassing in these Covid times.

I play French horn – badly, but I love it. I find my main problem is breath control. I’m an expert on vibrato – I just can’t hold a straight note, especially if I’m nervous. I’m happiest hiding behind more accomplished players because as soon as I’m stressed everything goes to pieces. I’m just glad I can still join in. Before I started on Madopar…[Read more]

I’m 78. No “off” times as such, but I do have “off” days – usually when I’ve done too much the previous day or let myself get stressed. I also use the red light coronet twice a day.

I started Levodopa as soon as I was diagnosed because the tremors were stopping me playing my French horn. It made me very sick so my neurologist tried Azilect. That had no effect so I combined levodopa and Azilect. The sickness lasted for two or three months but I persevered because the tremors went and I could play again. That was nearly four…[Read more]

As someone in the relatively early stages of Parkinson’s I feel so sorry for caregivers and admire their dedication. For myself, I would hate to be in that state of dependence and I’m determined to end things before it gets to that stage. I just wish it was a choice available legally!