Geoff

Geoff leads the Shepparton Parkinson’s Support Group.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s some twelve years ago after my wife had noticed some changes in my physical being – all of which seemed strange at the time. I did not swing my arms when I walked, I answered questions in monosyllables, did not initiate conversation, slight tremor in my hands, stiffness in fingers, and a wobble in my jaw. A lack of facial expression caused my children to always think I was cross with tem and not pleased or happy.

When I asked my physician about my shakes he replied that he had been observing that for some months. He referred me to neurologist Professor Byrne. Two minutes after my appointment I had the news, I had Parkinson’s Disease. A script for medication to be taken 4 times daily and that was it, and no discount for cash payment.

What did we know about PD? Only that we had heard of it. We picked up the script at the chemist and home to the encyclopedia. A phone call to my sister in law who was an Occupational Therapist, and we knew a great deal more about PD by night fall!

I rang Parkinsons Victoria and the Kingston Centre and made an appointment for an assessment of my Parkinson’s. There I was interviewed by Dr. Owen White who referred me to Physio with Beth Kirkwood. I well remember the exercises that Beth put me through, particularly the balance exercises. I still rehearse those today. I then saw a Speech Therapist and after lunch back to Dr. White for a report on the mornings assessments. I still see Dr. White on a regular basis as suggested by him. I find this most valuable.

My advice is this. If you are not communicating with your neurologist, find one that you can communicate with, the same applies with your family physician. You also need a good Physio to complete the team. I am sure you are aware Parkinson’s slows muscle movement, and joints stiffen. Often a program of exercise is required. Remember the old saying “"use it or lose it"”.

At the time of diagnosis I was being treated for 4 potentially life threatening illnesses. Parkinson’s was something I did not need. I had it so it had to be fitted into the equation. Balancing my medication was the job of my GP. He fine tuned and adjusted my medications on each of my monthly appointments. It is absolutely important to keep a daily diary.

Keeping a record of events and how you feel definitely relate and help put the picture together.

You do not always hear of some of the side issues that come with Parkinson’s. Many suffer from depression, stress and anxiety, setting up a vicious cycle that is detrimental to your health and certainly aggravates your Parkinson’s.

I cannot stress to you strongly enough the importance of taking medication on time. If it is 6am – 12 noon – 6pm – 10pm, take it at these times. It does not mean anytime there about, if you do this you will trough and peak with your symptoms, rather than a smooth transition form one medication time to the next.

How do I live with Parkinson's? I break my day up into parts. We have a king size garden, over 4 acres, of lawn, garden beds, native trees, shrubs and deciduous specimens. My vegetable garden is about the size of a small house block. It almost keeps us self sufficient.

I have a duck pond with numerous varieties of Geese, Ducks and Chooks. These guys all provide feathers for another passion which is trying Trout Flies.

I also spend time in my wood work shop. I have and use all the power tools available and still have all my fingers. I spend time turning wood on my lathes and turn anything from Walking Sticks to Verandah Posts and Bowls to Boxes and Lace Bobbins.

All of these interests I find totally rewarding, extremely therapeutic and very satisfying. Music is a great love and very relaxing, particularly the classics. Any form of music can be used to advantage. Carers Victoria has an excellent tape available on Relaxation and I recommend it to you.

Much of this would of course be difficult to do and achieve if I did not have the complete support, care and understanding from my carer, my wife Margaret. Since my tractor accident 28 years ago, she has fought doctors “tooth and nail” on my behalf when I was not able or well enough to do so. My son and daughter have also been great support to me. I have been able to assist them a little from my work shop, vege garden and in other ways.

I am fortunate that my Parkinson’s is relatively mild and stable. This allows me to co-ordinate a Support Group and assist those members of our Support Group who are more severely affected than I. I am privileged to be able to help and be part of a Support Group that is growing in numbers every month, and I encourage you to do the same. We have a vital role to play in our community and if we don’t help ourselves we cannot expect others to.

Geoff   2006