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• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Telling others >> Telling others

Telling others

• >> Parkinson's disease >> Telling others >> Telling others

Telling others

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• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Over 12 years >> Tom - Interview 06 >> Tom told only a few people because he worried that he might be treated differently; when he did tell them he was pleased with their reactions.

Tom was 27 when he was diagnosed. His medication includes levodopa. He experiences ‘on’ and ‘off’ periods most days. During the on period he may also have dyskinesia. He set up the Cure Parkinson’s Trust.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Carers >> Anna - Interview 29 >> When Rafa's Parkinson’s disease was diagnosed Anna realised that everything about their future had become uncertain.

Her partner was diagnosed with PD 18 months ago. So far he doesn’t need medication and they have told very few people about the diagnosis

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 2 years or under >> Penny - Interview 17 >> Penny describes why she did not at first disclose her diagnosis at work and the supportive reaction when she did.

Although she was advised not to mention her newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease when she had to change her job she has found that disclosure was necessary. As a divorced woman she can’t help worrying about who will care for her in future if her condition deteriorates.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 3-4 years >> Nicolas - Interview 23 >> Nicolas is glad that he informed his occupational health scheme of his situation.

Diagnosed 4 years ago, Nicolas now takes a low dose of Mirapexin. He works full time. He experiences stiffness, tiredness and difficulties with walking and handwriting.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 8-12 years >> Judie - Interview 20 >> Judie did not hesitate to inform her employers but their reaction was not at all what she hoped for or expected.

Although having Parkinson’s meant that Judie had to give up work, she has found herself doing all sorts of adventurous things she might never have done otherwise.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 3-4 years >> Humphrey - Interview 01 >> Humphrey saw no reason why he shouldn’t continue to work and was very open about his diagnosis. Later he wondered if this had been wise.

Humphrey was able to continue working as a writer, broadcaster and musician after he was diagnosed. Although his Parkinson’s was progressing fairly quickly he maintained a resolutely positive attitude, trying to solve each problem as it presented itself, such as voice recognition software when typing became difficult. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2005.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Carers >> Anna - Interview 29 >> Anna hadn’t realised how difficult it would be to not tell anyone about her partner’s diagnosis.

Her partner was diagnosed with PD 18 months ago. So far he doesn’t need medication and they have told very few people about the diagnosis

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 8-12 years >> Ruth - Interview 26 >> When Ruth’s family started to telephone after her husband told them her diagnosis, she couldn’t cope with their sympathy and wanted to be well.

Ruth was diagnosed 9 years ago. She has tremor, stiffness, difficulty sleeping and tiredness. She has to pace herself. Some days are easier to cope with than others.

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> Carers >> Anna - Interview 29 >> Anna believes it was the right decision not to tell their teenage children until her partner’s day to day life became more affected.

Her partner was diagnosed with PD 18 months ago. So far he doesn’t need medication and they have told very few people about the diagnosis

• Nerves & brain >> Parkinson's disease >> 8-12 years >> Sharon - Interview 31 >> Sharon didn’t tell her teenage children for six months because she didn’t want them to start looking after her.

Forced by her Parkinsons symptoms to retire from a career she loved as a teacher Sharon turned things round by becoming a business woman creating the very successful Cake Bake Company.