My husband was diagnosed with PD on the 4th August 2016. For me as his wife, that date is indelibly set in my mind. In hindsight (it's a wonderful thing ) he was asymptomatic for at least 5-7years and had been diagnosed with essential tremor by his GP. He had a tremor in his left arm, was extreme!y tired, loss of smell, unusual gait, loss of facial expression just to name a few.
Our son in law mentioned to our daughter the changes in his walking and other friends noticed changes but out of respect said nothing.
After the initial diagnosis with his Specialist he was put on medication and 6 weeks later on follow up
he was much improved. Simple tests were easier, his general demeanour much lighter and facial expressions not so frozen.
Life has continued on, we still travel in our van (safely), he still volunteers but changes were happening. This has necessitated the sale of our home on a large block of land 40ks north of Toowoomba and the purchase of a smaller property in Toowoomba. He can still do all the things that are needed around a smaller home. It helps keeping him active and moving, as well as attending an exercise group for PD people at Blue Care which he thoroughly enjoys.
The upside of that is being able to participate in the activities the wonderful support group in Toowoomba have initiated - choir, dance for Parkinson's as well as the monthly support group meetings. Initially he was reluctant to attend but we did and are so thankful. It's great to be with people who are in the same situation but don't dwell on it, share stories, offer suggestions and are just there. Everyone is so upbeat, friendly and very forward thinking and we have a lovely group of new friends.
And so life goes on; each day is a new day as we support each other through this journey, live life happily and make the most of all things possible.
Thanks for reading "our story".