In this three part blog series, I have detailed my journey with Parkinson’s – both in terms of early diagnosis, and more recent treatment and support. My attempts to come to terms with and understand both the diagnosis and treatment led me to explore multiple avenues towards living well. I needed a multi-disciplinary approach, and … Continue reading Making Sense of my Parkinson’s: The European Centre for Parkinson’s
Making Sense of my Parkinson’s: Treatment and Support
In my previous blog, I wrote about the impact of my Parkinson's diagnosis – and the information which would have been useful to receive at the outset. Making sense of Parkinson’s is a long journey however, and one which extends far past initial diagnosis to treatment and daily life. So what has life been like … Continue reading Making Sense of my Parkinson’s: Treatment and Support
Making Sense of my Parkinson’s: Diagnosis
The first in a three part blog series: The shock of the Parkinson's diagnosis came in August 2017. It was ultimately made by consultant neurologist Mr. William Gibb, privately in Southampton. My symptoms finally made sense to me. Muscle stiffness was preceded by unexplained symptoms of sleep disturbance with vivid dreams (5 years); shoulder stiffness … Continue reading Making Sense of my Parkinson’s: Diagnosis
How can current Parkinson’s Services be improved?
After three years of living with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, I have begun to formulate some thoughts and suggestions for improving current Parkinson’s services. These suggestions are based on my personal experience as both a doctor and patient, and fit into five main categories: presenting symptoms, specialist referral, secondary care consultation, medical research, and … Continue reading How can current Parkinson’s Services be improved?
How do we more fully see the whole person behind the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease?
As a patient I have witnessed the need to bring together a fragmented team to create personalised medicine. My experience of hospital and GP contacts: Long waits! Seeing a consultant neurologist privately – after waiting over 16 weeks for an NHS appointment. August 2017: Brief neurological assessment; blunt ‘you have Parkinson’s Disease’. Medication only offered … Continue reading How do we more fully see the whole person behind the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease?
Reflections on living with Parkinson’s Disease in the last year
A New Year and ‘I’m still standing’ in the words of the Delta blues singer Mississippi Fred McDowell. The song accompanies me when I do my exercises in the morning. Happy New Year. Looking back I have probably had symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease now for 10 years – marked stiffness around my neck and shoulders … Continue reading Reflections on living with Parkinson’s Disease in the last year
Dr David Beales 