Sandra
October 2020
Dear All
My formal introduction to PD was in August 2013 when I was informed that I had early on-set PD. For 2 years prior, I had been dragging my left leg and not swinging my left arm. My GP thought my issue was Muscular not Neurological and for the 2 years prior to diagnosis I had been sent to Physios for full skeletal body scans plus many other tests but to no avail.
On recommendation from my works manager I went to see his osteopath at Charlestown. On the first visit he told me this is neurological not muscular. On my second visit he told me he was wasting my money and wrote to my GP with a number of tests he recommended and from this the PD diagnosis was made by a local Neurologist. My wife Lynn and I were devastated and were referred to the local PD nurse at the John Hunter (Evelyn Collins) who was fantastic. We went into her office in tears and came out smiling. She was able to give us the facts about PD and what assistance there was for this disease such as PD Warrior (a PD targeted exercise program) run by trained Exercise Physiologists, funded by the NDIS in the Hunter as a trial in the early days. The NDIS is now in full swing across the region supporting PD personnel in numerous areas for them to be able to function at home.
I also had a second opinion from a Sydney based Neuro who gave a talk at Charlestown some 5 years ago and he added an additional medication which changed my life back to almost normal.
On saying that there are plenty of excellent Neurologists in Newcastle to consult with.
Evelyn (the JHH PD nurse) also saw a need for an early onset PD group to be formed which I’m happy to have been part of since its inception to date. See About Us and Meeting Tab on our websitefor further info.
That is briefly my Story. For more information contact me anytime
Glenn