Sir, – The HEALTHPlus section of your newspaper every Tuesday is an excellent way to keep abreast of the strides being made in combating and living with some of our most distressing illnesses. However, comparing David Walsh’s symptoms to my own we could be talking about two very different conditions (“I’m 45 and have young onset Parkinson’s”, January 10th).
Like Mr Walsh, it took some time to come to the conclusion that I was indeed suffering from Parkinson’s. I just suffered from a vague feeling of unease.
Getting the right dose of drugs is a hit and miss affair, and my tablets have to be continually “tweaked”. I have been taking Stalevo, which is meant to be the “gold standard” of drugs. Latterly I feel that this drug is not suiting me. Some time after taking it I get what I call a “wallop” and I have to ride out that sensation for at least an hour.
Parkinson’s is a cruel complaint. My general health is excellent. It has not affected my appetite, my speech, my hearing or my sleep pattern. My writing is as good as ever. But I can’t drive my beloved car, I can no longer work in my chosen profession (teaching) and I can only walk with my “wheels”! Going out is a bit of a nightmare and going away to stay in hotels is not possible as I need help with showering and dressing.
Thankfully, I feel no pain. I send my kindest regards to David Walsh. I am now in my 81st year. Maybe a cure is just around the corner . . . try to keep hopeful. – Yours, etc,