Hi I have just been diagnosed and need to know,
(1)What happens next?
(2)Exercise that will help?
(3)Support in the West Yorkshire area?
(4)Help with getting work? (For the 1st time in my life I do not have a job despite working over the last 44 years)
(5)In the event I don’t get a job how do I make sure that I live?
Cheers in advance
Hi @TommyMc62,
A warm welcome to the forum.
I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and it’s completely understandable that you have so many questions. We have an entire section with all the information, including answers to your questions above(particularly about exercise, help with work and finding local support in your area) on the ‘Newly diagnosed section’ on our website here - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/newly-diagnosed-parkinsons.
We run information and support events that are designed for people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s. These events are also suitable for friends, family and carers. You can register by following the instructions here - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/newly-diagnosed-support-events.
In addition to this we also have an introductory guide to Parkinson’s which contains information about symptoms, treatments and living with Parkinson’s. You can download this as a pdf here - https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-09/B181%20Parkinson’s%20and%20you%20WEB.pdf.
Lastly, our confidential helpline and Parkinson’s local advisers are here to answer any questions you have about your recent diagnosis and life with Parkinson’s. Please give us a call us on 0808 800 0303 from Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 10am-2pm, or you can email [email protected].
I’m sure you’ll receive some more warm welcomes from other members on the forum, however, hope you find this information helpful in the meantime.
Best wishes,
Reah
Forum Community Manager
Hi @TommyMc62,
A very warm welcome to the forum. I hope Reah’s response answers all your questions but I hope you keep popping back to the forum for more feedback - which I’m sure you will receive. Good luck and best wishes to you!
J
1 Like
Hello there, I see Reah has given you a lot of info which will I am sure help. What I would say is there is no rush to do it all at once or you will end up with information overload and probably confused. It may help to prioritise what you need to know and work through it. If nothing else you will feel you have some control over what is happening when you can often feel like there is none. The First thing most need to do is get used to the idea, it is life changing for the person with Parkinson’s as well as family friends etc, but it is most commonly slow and not all bad. You are right to ask questions and the forum is a good place to get help, advice and support but ultimately if it feels right to you, then it is. You will quickly find it is a very individual condition. It is not the end, just the start of a different life. It won’t be the life you imagined nor a life you would choose but it is your life and you will find a way to live it. We all do, as will you. I think you will find that most on the forum advocate slow and steady, one day at a time, one step at a time. Welcome to our world, challenging certainly, but not all bad unless you choose to see it that way. My best wishes as you work through these first days, have faith, you will be ok.
1 Like
Hello TommyMc62
I am from America doesn’t matter where your from. We can only take each day as it comes. I am 64 and I am guessing you close to that age. In my country I was able to retire early. I payed into are system the the first time at 14. I worked two jobs many times in my life. I was a machinist. At 59 the doctors told me I must retire. I don’t know what the UK has for those who are forced to retire. In my country it took 2 years to get through the paper work and courts.
So if it is the same in the UK might be wise to get the process started. I was lucky to put a lean on my home to get enough to live on for 2 years.
This not to be negative. Just advise. Parkinson’s effects everyone differently. The particular symptoms and how fast you progress is unknown. One day at a time. Employment you depend on someone else. But there are things we have control over. Plan B government assistance might be all you have. You can get the ball rolling if needed. PWP Tom
On the subject of exercise, do whatever you enjoy. Cycling is strongly recommended.
Thanks for those who replied Whilst pointing me in the right direction Unfortunately I struggle to concentrate so find myself reading and not getting a grasp of the words