I have been diagnosed for a month now and am still devastated. I can barely function .
I’m 62 female .
Please can someone tell me they are doing ok years down the line and living a relatively normal life ?
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Hi Alison, reach out to your local group they will but you in touch with local advisor and suggest people in similar circumstances to have a chat with .
I would highly recommend the newly diagnosed seminar Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK
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in relation to Normal life I stay as active as possible had PD for around 10 years would say life is what you would say is normal but it’s productive and fulfilling .
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Hi Alison,
I was diagnosed in February but have probably had PD for a few years. Everyone’s story is different but I have reached out to people on this forum and find it’s a great support.
It really is hard coming to terms that life may get quite difficult in later days but short term I personally have joined an exercise group to help with mobility and went to a group to meet other people with PD.
People on this forum post poetry and follow a music thread too it’s not all doom and gloom,
keep up with the chat and I hope it helps you to see that it’s not a death sentence but adapting to a different way of life.
Good luck
Dawn
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The answer to your question is yes many on this site doing well after years with PD.
PD is not a death sentence and can be managed well .
I had the same reaction and when I had calmed down the body returned to normal.
Anxiety makes PD symptoms worse and interrupts sleep.
Welcome to the PD club.
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Hi Alison
I would say your reaction is the same as for many of us, certainly was for me. Other people, friends, family, colleagues, were all well-intentioned and wanted to be supportive but almost always focussed on what they knew of PD or what they had seen before…which tends to be late-stage/severe symptoms, which made me feel worse!
But 8 years on I’m still fit and active, still working full time, a bit slower and more careful…but life is good. Honestly it is.
Happy to have a chat any time…you’re not alone.
Simon
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Hi @Alison6 - thank you for reaching out to the forum. We are sorry to hear how you are feeling, it’s natural to go through a range of emotions.
We are sure others will share their own experiences which will include having similar feelings to you at times, but it’s important to remember it won’t always be like this.
Please know that you are not alone, if you want to speak to someone our free, confidential helpline is available to anyone affected by Parkinson’s. Our trained advisers can offer support and advice, and you can ask to speak to one of our Parkinson’s nurses if you need support: 0808 800 0303.
Take care,
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
Good Morning Alison, l’m 64 years old and I was diagnosed in Feb 2020. I consider myself lucky I am still well and living a good life. I’m still working part-time and looking after my grandchildren during the holidays. I’m married and ok I do have my moments but mostly life is good. If I can answer any questions you have I will try but everyones journey is different.
Jayne
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Thank you for replying . I’m just catastrophising everything and having terrible thoughts . Thanks again Si
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Thank you Jayne x Would you mind if I sent you a few questions via private message?
I know, I did too. I think I went through a grieving process…grieving for the healthy, active retirement I had anticipated. It’s overwhelming.
Just tackle one fear at a time. Meet it head-on, talk about it, weigh-up the options and devise a plan…then tick it off the list and tackle the next one.
It’s too big to think about all at once, with too many unknowns, I think that’s why my mind protested and retreated into the dark!
That probably isn’t much help, it’s just how I get through, but you will find your own way through, and lean on us here any time you need to.
Simon
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Please do msg me. I won’t know all the answers but I’m happy to chat 
Jayne
Thank you so much I’ve sent you a msg x
Thank you ive msgd you x
Hi Alison,
My email is [email protected] it would be easier for me if you msg me via my gmail address.
Thanks
Jayne
Sorry I just saw this . I had already sent you a msg via the forum
Hi Alison, my hwp has had it for 24 years. He’s 75. Life is difficult now, but his PD progression - with the help of quite a bit of exercise and trying to ensure his meds are optimal - has been gradual, so we achieved a fairly normal life for quite a long time.
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Thank you for that x
How many years would you say life was normal for? Sorry to mither but I’m in dreadful state x
Fairy normal/manageable until about 7 years ago. Last 2 years very difficult Everyone’s progression is different. I believe regular (by that I mean at least 3 times a week with a personal trainer) slowed my husband’s PD quite a bit.
Hi Alison
I am 60…female…diagnosed April 2017
To be honest I find my medication deals with my symptoms leaving me free to live my life.
We are all different but please try not to worry about what hasn’t happened…
[email protected]
I’m in Scotland and happy to chat anytime. (Retired)
Tai chi is great for me
As is golf…
Karen