Hi I am a new member. I have been diagnose with PD since 2018. I am retired having been a heath and safety consultant for over 20 years. I am married. We celebrated our 20th anniversary last week. I was misdiagnosed for 12 years before a neurologist specialising in movement disorder told me I had Parkinsons. I was relieved because my doctor told me he suspected I had M.N.D. I have a dog called Norbie who keeps me exercising even when I don’t want to. He is an Italian Spinone. He keeps me company whilst my wife is at work. We hope to have him trained as my assistants dog. I am an ex guitarist. I can no longer hold down the strings or use a plectrum but recently I brought a Yamaha EZAG midi guitar and I am back playing again. The guitar looks and feels like a guitar but has buttons on the frets instead of strings. I used to be into bodybuilding before being diagnosed but I haven’t got the energy or coordination anymore. I also use to be in a running club and have completed over 20 half marathons and one full marathon. In the beginning I was really angry that I had Parkinsons. I was really fit. I didn’t drink alcohol. Never smoked, I was a vegetarian. I also went swimming on a regular basis and then from nowhere BAM I started feeling different. I couldn’t lift as much. I struggled to run as far. Then my toes on my right foot started twitching followed by my left hand and the rest is history. I am a positive person and I have learned to adapt to the daily changes. I have given up my hobbies one by one. I was half way through getting my pilots license. I had to stop driving. I sold my Harley Davidson. Took early retirement. But I am still here. We all have to keep on keeping on. Geffino
Hi Geffino, welcome. Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty and positivity. You’ve adapted with such strength and it’s inspiring to hear how you’ve found ways to keep doing what you love, like getting back to playing guitar. Norbie sounds like a wonderful companion too. We’re really glad you’ve joined the community and hope you find it a supportive space. If you ever need information or someone to talk to, our helpline is 0808 800 0303 or you can email [email protected]. 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team