This afternoon I went along to my GP's surgery to assist with a tutorial being given to some 4th.yr. medical students. My GP briefed me beforehand and told me I would be asked questions about my condition, but not to mention the P word, as she wanted them to work out for themselves that I had Parkinson's.
They were 4 lovely young doctors-to-be and asked very pertinent questions, occasionally prompted by my doctor. I have no tremor, so it was not easy for them to make a diagnosis. Eventually one of them suggested I had Parkinson's and our discussion went on from there. They examined me and tested my reflexes and were making notes. I had prepared and taken with me, a printed sheet of my journey with P so far and they were very interested to read this. (So was my doctor!). I had also printed off a copy of the 5 stages of Parkinson's.
I found the whole experience very rewarding. Not only were they learning about the syndrome, but it gave my doctor a chance to hear my answers and views on the subject, (something you can't do in a normal 10min. doctor's appointment). I also left lots of booklets from Parkinson's UK, for them to read.
The hospital usually instructs these medical students, but the Neurology department is so understaffed at the moment, that they asked my GP to help out. I'm so glad they did.......it was a great opportunity for me to share information and concerns about our illness.
Well done Twinks! This is what new doctors really need. A real life look at how this disease really affects people and their lives. I just hope more GP practices get involved with things like this. It's ok having the facts, figures & theory but as we know real life is something else entirely. I think it's fantastic that you've done this! Su. xx
I'm off to talk to more 4th.medical students about Parkinson's on Thursday. This will be the third time my GP has asked me to help her out. Really enjoy the opportunity to share information with them and this time my friend with MS will be talking to them as well.
Any questions you want me to raise, or info. you want passing on, please let me know.
This afternoon went well and once again, the students had to work out what was wrong with me by asking pertinent questions. (Fortunately, I can disguise the fact that I have Parkinson's, especially as I have no tremor and had taken my meds. an hour earlier!). They asked text book questions and eventually came to the right diagnosis. I talked to them about different medications and how they affected me, but stressed everyone reacts differently to the condition. I mentioned the possible connection between TDM/TDJ and Parkinson's and my GP seemed interested. I took some printed information which I left for them all to read.
I didn't learn anything new today, but am quite happy to do more sessions like this, as my GP gets to know more about Parkinson's too......which can only be a good thing!
I had a student sit in on my last appointment with the neuro i did ask her if she had learnt something from what i said during the appointment she nodded and said yes, given that our neuro's mostly base their observations towards a diagnosis i said im sure she would learn much this way, the neuro instantly said ''no a book''.
Some of my family have been dealt huntingtons, i was dealt Parkinsons. There are many conditions so very close to each other that a textbook cant teach so i agree it is a good thing.
Spent another hour at my surgery this afternoon, talking to 4 medical students about Parkinson's. Once again my GP had not told them what kind of neurological problem I have and they had to work it out for themselves by questioning me about symptoms. Because I have no tremor and appear quite normal, when on meds., it took them a while to figure out I had Parkinson's.
These sessions not only give the students more of an insight into PD, but also help my GP understand what it means to live with this wretched illness. I try and give as much information as possible. Today I tried to describe what 'on' and 'off' meds. felt like. I said that when 'off', I felt like a puppet with a puppeteer dangling my strings so I couldn't move properly, but when 'on', it was like all the strings were taut and movements were much easier. I also told them that sometimes it was like walking through treacle. (Not that I've ever tried it!). Hope they understood what I meant! They probably thought I was some mad woman!!!!
I used to do this for the students hoping to specialise in Neurological diseases and injuries at NTGH, in North East UK and really enjoyed it, showing on more than on occasion the ,freezing episodes , and the re covery from same, it was rewarding both for me seeing the fascination these young people displayed and for them witnessing how rapidly pd can shut you down and cripple you in seconds. I dont receive any invites now Im not sure why, I had a really severe deppresive spell after Mam died and had to turn down a couple of talks and I was removed from the list me thinks , I couldnt do it now anyway as the prolapsed vertebrae still have truly impressive pain levels and I just cant move around so thats that, I did find it rewarding though.
hope you are in good spirits, I love single malts myself
We had 4th year pharmacy students attend one of our branch meetings in October as a result of my visits to the University via the Research Support Network and my wish to be further involved.
Enlightening future GP's and pharmacists is essential, IMO.
