David, Living with Parkinson’s

 

It was 4 years ago when I knew something was seriously wrong. Stiffness and painful joints, slowness, slight paralysis, loss of smell and poor handwriting. Overwhelming anxiety, insomnia and despair led me to seek help.

 It was on Wednesday 2 March 2011 at 12.25pm that I was told I had Parkinson’s disease. I was devastated. My reaction was to ask the specialist if I would ever be able to play the violin again. When she replied that she could see no reason why not, I said “ that’s funny, I couldn’t play it before”! It was my way of dealing with it.

When I told my family I had Parkinson’s they too were devastated. 

For months I chose not to “research” my illness and try to live a normal life. But as a professional karate teacher, I knew that my whole life would change and my ability to earn a living would be restricted and eventually stop. I was also deeply concerned about my future with a wonderful woman I had recently met. Parkinson’s has implications of those close to you. But I am fortunate. The support I have from my family and friends is brilliant. The support I have from my fiancé is unbelievable.

They make a difference.