Conditions
Parkinson's Disease
First identified by Dr James Parkinson in 1817, Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic condition which affects sufferer’s movements – everything from walking to talking. It’s typically seen as a condition that affects older people, which is generally true but it can and does affect younger people, and very rarely children too. Overall it affects about 120,000 people in the UK and tends to get progressively worse. The 3 main symptoms of Parkinson’s are shaking (tremor), rigidity (stiffness) and slowness of movement. These symptoms in turn can affect a person’s ability to do things such as write, stand up or even roll over in bed. Parkinson’s is caused by a lack of dopamine being produced in the brain because of a loss of the nerve cells that create it. As the dopamine levels continue to drop in someone with Parkinson’s disease, the condition will worsen. Whilst there is no cure for Parkinson’s a variety of therapies including medications, physiotherapy and even surgery can ease symptoms.
For more information about Parkinson’s Disease:
Parkinson’s Disease Society
Patient.co.uk
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My mum was diagnosed with parkinsons disease about 7 years ago, the doctors thought that it was a slipped disk at first. After my father past away 4 years ago, my mums condition has become worse, and she is now experiencing new symptoms that is adding more stress on her. Doctors say they can only treat one thing at a time, and only see my mum 3 times a year if lucky. These new symptoms such as severe back pain and continuous need to pass urine. As well as this it seems her medication seems to not havea great affect on her now, and sometimes does not improve her symptoms at all. As i am only 18 i find it hard myself to see my mum go through this. I have researched different medications and wanted to ask which is best affective. I know everyone suffers differently but its at that point now where anyadvice would be appreciated.
My Grandad (late 70s) was diagnosed with Parkinsons 10 years ago, but the doctor said he had probably had it for a good 10-15 years before that, I am so proud of him, he is such a fighter! On a good day you really wouldnt know about it, he gets up early each morning to go on a 2 or 3 mile jog around where he lives, he is an amazing artist, he is constantly on exciting holidays with my Grandma, walking and climbing mountains. The doctor said that he should have been wheelchair bound years ago - I'm glad he is such a fighter, or I might not still have such an amazing grandad!
My daughter was diagnosed with PD at the age of 38, 2 years ago, but it turns out she had probably had it at least 3 or 4 years earlier, it just took a long time to diagnose. This was probably due to the fact that she had been widowed and the doctors thought some of the symptoms could have been grief. The drugs she is taking help enormously and she has such a positive attitude she says 'I don't do poor me.' Unfortunately she was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well, and understandably her positive attitude took a dive, but luckily it is not a serious form of MS so she has picked herself up again. What surprised us was that it is possible to have both diseases at the same time, I doubt if many people realise this.
I'm a female I was 46 when I was diagnosed, that was almost 12 years ago. mine was so relentless in all my limbs.My Dr. told me, I was one of the worse he had seen and was offered brain surgery(DBS) Deep Brain Stimulation. That was 3 years ago, It was a lot to go through but It was well worth it. 3years later I can do anything I want to do within limits I have good days and bad days I get tired faster,but 3 years without shaking has given me my life back.
My partner was diagnosed with Parkinson's in his early 30's, so far he has been maintained on amantadine and requip xl and now he is at the maximum dose and it's not holding him any more. His joints are really stiff first thing in the morning and he has real difficulty walking but he's still to vain to use a walking stick. He is about to move onto the dopa's. I would really love to know more about them, how long can we stay on the lowest doses etc because he is only 36, we have many years to live and I worry about the future.
My brother who is only 55 years old has had MSA (That is a more aggressive form of PD) for the past 4 years & his condition has deteriated fast where he can not do much & his speach is going so he has to practice on a machine so that people can understand him. In time he will not be able to swallow so he will have a tube fitted to his stomach to feed him. There was a report on the TV where a man who had PD & could not walk or talk & was operated on to enlarge the main blood vessels to his brain & with a few hours could walk & talk again so has anyone else heard of this. It breaks my heart to see him like that so I would be really grateful if any of the doctors could help him.
I was diagnosed with PD in Sept aged 56 years and this was confirmed after CAT and DAT scans in Dec 2009. I, too, think I had this condition for some time: I lost my sense of taste and smell in 2001, and the shaking started in 2008. I am glad that at last this condition is being openly talked about as it affecting more and more young people - research is needed as currently there is no cure.
I was diagnosed with Parkinsons in August 2009. Knowing what I now know I can recall some very early symptoms back in December 2004! I am now 46. Luckily at the moment it mainly affects my left side, I am right handed. Getting my left arm in and out of my coat often looked laboured and gawky. But late last year I embarked on a more disciplined approach to exercise focused on the Nintendo Wii fit game. The improved mobility in my left arm means getting my coat on is more easy, more often. My walking has improved also, my left foot drags less often. Is use the Wii fit Super Hula game daily, amongst others, I found by not just resting my hands on my hips but clasping them behind me, in front of me, above my head and also with my arms stretched out like a scarecrow really does help my left arm. I hold my arms in the way mentioned for 100 to 150 swivels! When in the scarecrow position my right hand swivels in time with my hips and my left just sticks out shaking! It must look quite comical! But It works for me. Parkinsons does not have to be the end of anything, just the beginning of a whole new way of doing things. Other than attending the various Hospital appointments I am pleased to say it has not cost me a day off work yet. The Parkinsons Disease Society has just re branded its self as "Parkinsons UK". Loads of information on their website.
I have had Parkinson's for approx 10years. the PDS have a very good forum on their web site. www.parkinsons.org.uk
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 8 months ago at the age of 52. Medication has helped a lot alongside a good attitude to life. I can think of a lot worse conditions to have and considering children suffering with cancer make one feel like at least I got to this age before I started with my condition. If you have been diagnosed recently trust me....it's not the end of the world! There are many medications to help your condition but you have also to help yourself by not being in denial and also not giving in to self-pity.
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