Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum and wanted to say hello.
I’m 56 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s last December, though I’d been on the medical merry-go-round for a good couple of years before that. Lots of GP visits, referrals, back again… one doctor even asked if I was a heavy drinker because of my hand tremor (sigh!). When I eventually saw the right specialist, it took about ten minutes to get a diagnosis. Bit of a hammer blow, if I’m honest, and I’m still finding my feet just over a year on.
I’m an artist, which makes a right hand tremor inconvenient at best, so I’ve been teaching my left hand to take over. It’s slow, occasionally frustrating, and mildly hilarious at times, turns out my left hand didn’t ask for the promotion.
Somewhere along the way I also started writing, mostly to keep my head straight.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi. Looking forward to being part of the conversation and learning from people who actually get it.
Hello @stephen1 , welcome to the forum, and thank you for posting your first message. We hope you find our community and support helpful.
Thank you for sharing your experience. Understandably, you’re still finding your feet over a year on from your diagnosis. It can take time to process and learn more about the impact on your life. It’s okay if your feelings are up and down and change over time, too. No matter how you’re feeling, we’re here for you. We have a range of newly diagnosed resources to support you, your family, friends, and those close to you, which you might find helpful: Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK
Congratulations to your left hand for the promotion! It’s great to hear that you’re still creating art, even though it can be frustrating at times. Writing can be such a helpful tool to help with your wellbeing. We are glad you’re finding it helpful.
Speaking to people who just get it is so important. We’re glad you’ve found the amazing people on this platform
Hello @Carle_Robinson, thank you for your post and for sharing your symptoms. We understand that waiting can be hard. We’re here and so are our community if you’d like someone to talk to as you navigate waiting to hear more.
We have information on getting a diagnosis, which includes information about the symptoms, preparing for appointments, and how Parkinson’s is diagnosed, which you might find helpful: Getting a diagnosis | Parkinson's UK
Thank you, it really means a lot. And yes, bereavement is exactly the right word for it. You don’t just lose a skill, you lose a version of yourself you assumed would always be there.
I’m really sorry about your husband. That kind of loss is hard to explain unless you’re living it.
I’m muddling through and finding new ways where I can, some days better than others. Wishing you both all the best too, and thank you again for taking the time to write.
Hi Carle_Robinson. I remember the waiting and the not-on-meds stage feeling very strange and a bit unreal.
The shakes are tough. I’ve learned that trying to own them, rather than battling them constantly, can make the day-to-day feel more manageable. Easier said than done i know but stick with it.
You’re not alone, lots of us here have been where you are now. Take things at your own pace, ask anything you want, and be kind to yourself.
this is with the shakes too, its amazing that focussing on a task completely, really helps to calm the shakes down and even stops them for a while, its kind of like entering a flow state
Hi Stephen, I’m a relatively new user of the forum, I was diagnosed in October last year but had symptoms from a year previous to that. I’m 62, and my dad had PD from about the same age. I find distraction and keeping active is a good way of managing the shakes - it doesn’t necessarily stop them, but it stops you thinking about them. Exercise is great for this and I’m trying other things such as playing Playstation games, stretching, learning how to properly relax, cycling, playing golf…..all of these things work to an extent. I’ve found the Movers and Shakers podcast to be a fantastic resource and am working my way through all the episodes, but it can be quite scary and daunting sometimes despite the cheerfulness and general optimism from the presenters (except Jeremy Paxman!)
Your art is fantastic btw, and I hope your left hand soon catches up! All the best.
Hi Jim8888, I totally agree, any form of distraction works to an extent, gardening and any type of physical activity seems to do the trick for me. I have always been keen runner and cyclist, and this type of excersise, seems to really help. Movers and shakers is great and has been a real help to me at least. Thank you for your kind words re my art - all the best - Ste
I’m sorry that I haven’t logged on for a few days so I have only just seen your very kind message.
Thank you so much - your words mean a great deal.
I’m amazed at your painting! Absolutely beautiful in spite of everything - do you think it’s somehow just coming from a different place? In any case it’s very inspiring! I hope we meet on here again…..very best wishes
Hi Tulip55, thanks for your kind words. I think it’s coming from the same place, sometimes i can use my right hand and the tremors abate, especially when i really focus on a task they seem to go - like a flow state, other times i struggle to get there, especially if i haven’t slept, which is more often the case these days. i tend to get about 3 hours sleep a night which leaves me feeling so apathetic towards everything, just functioning feels like a huge achievement and i dont have the energy to do anything, it really is difficult. I try and embrace the tremor too and work with it when i am drawing/painting with intresting results
