Parkinson’s, Ping Pong and a bit of Oomph

Most people who know me will know that I am ‘not a natural sportwoman’ as one of my very diplomatic teachers wrote in my school report years ago. That’s an understatement. I have always found sports difficult, and I never ever enjoyed any sports at school. Is it just me, or do most people not…

Living with Parkinson’s and DBS: Before and after

Today is 11 April. For many, it’s just an ordinary day. For others it marks a special day, perhaps a birthday, or an anniversary – a day to remember someone special who is sadly no longer here. It is also World Parkinson’s Day. For those of us in the Parkinson’s community, it’s an opportunity to…

Hopefully ever after (whatever the weather)

Her Deep Brain Stimulation surgery was successful, the sun shone brightly every day, and she lived happily every after… Not quite. Yes, my Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery (18 months ago) was successful and I am so very grateful for that. The sun has definitely shone brightly on some days since my DBS surgery. As…

Kindness

“Everyone you meet is facing a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Robin Williams I once had a hospital appointment that I was quite anxious about. When I arrived, there was a security guard outside the door who told me to ring the buzzer. I rang the buzzer and waited. Then another member…

Living with Parkinson’s… 9 nine years and counting

When I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly nine years ago, I had no idea what my future would look like. I consider myself lucky to have access to brilliant NHS services for Parkinson’s and also great support from friends and family. Without both of these, my Parkinson’s journey would have been a much more difficult…

Lost and found

I have recently returned from a wonderful week’s holiday in the Lake District. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have a break, enjoy several walks and spend the week with an amazing group of people – friends old and new on this year’s Thinking Faith retreat at Boarbank Hall in Cumbria… I last…

Things are not always as they seem

“I can wave!” I can wave my hand! I remember feeling excited about being able to wave again, shortly after I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and started taking medication. It may seem like a little thing, but for me it was a really big deal. I had that excited feeling again, eight years later, last…

My new normal: Recharging my battery, being reunited with my orange frog and playing Scrabble with a missing tile

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s changed me in lots of ways. At the time, I never thought I would feel ‘normal’ again, but it’s surprising how quickly we can adapt sometimes. What’s ‘normal’ anyway? I guess in this context, it’s what feels normal to each of us as individuals. Prior to my Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)…

Self Care Week – Round up and practical tips for self care

During this Self Care Week, I have been sharing some insights into self care when you have a long term condition from some friends who inspire me. We all have different conditions, but we also have a lot in common, I think most importantly, our determination to live as well as we can with our…

Self Care Week – Making every choice count

This Self Care Week, I have been sharing some insights into self care when you have a long term condition from some of my friends. So, I guess today it’s my turn… My attitude to self care is pretty much summed up in one of my early blogs – one of the important life lessons…