PD is more prevalent in men than in women, and more commonly, symptoms begin over the age of 60. It is progressive but does not, by itself, cause death. The most common causes of death are injury from a catastrophic fall or pneumonia caused by problems swallowing, leading to aspiration of fluid into the lungs.
Loading
Lack of knowledge about PD adds to the stigma, misunderstanding and fear that often accompanies the condition.
The first symptom I was aware of was a tiny movement in the ring finger of my left hand when under stress. I dismissed it. However, within a few years, it had become a fully fledged tremor, impossible to hide. At that time fatigue was the other chief symptom – bone-deep and impossible to remedy by an afternoon nap.
Then came uncontrolled movements, dyskinesia. It became impossible to walk in a straight line. And through it all, the feeling of being constantly wired, switched on, all senses receiving, on edge. I realised, years later, that my first symptom was really an episode of depression, which was the chief reason I resigned from parliament in 2008.
Up to 40 per cent of PD sufferers endure depression as their first symptom, but don’t realise that it is due to PD. And why would you if there are no other symptoms? After diagnosis I was prescribed a dopamine replacement medication and my doctor suggested it would work well for five years, but that the following five years would get progressively tougher, which they did. In 2018 he did offer hope with what was, initially, a frightening therapy – deep brain stimulation, which involved the placement of two electrodes deep into my brain, connected to a battery that ensured a constant electric current would mimic the production of dopamine. It has worked well, especially in alleviating movement aspects of the disorder.
The deputy premier John Watkins with premier Morris Iemma in 2007, the year before Watkins retired because of what he believbed was depression. It was his first symptom of Parkinson’s disease.Credit:Jon Reid
But PD is still a chronic, degenerative disease, and continues merrily down its chosen path, dragging me behind it. In recent months, I’ve found greater impacts on my psychological and mental health, my speech and cognitive ability. That leads to self-doubt, depression, uncertainty, awful loss of confidence. How long it will torment me in this way before moving on to other things, I do not know.
Loading
I don’t know how people living alone or without support from a loving family make it through. If they do, it’s because of the kindness and professionalism of caring therapists and clinicians. They enable me to stay involved in life, to still play a role, and to not give in to the darkness.
The challenge of PD has changed my life like nothing else. I never expected it and I know I’m not dealing with it very well.
Loading
Me, you, none of us can escape the inevitability of life-changing challenges that are rolling down the years towards us. They make and too often break us. Parkinson’s did that for me. I have hoped over the years since that it would stir a stoic resolve, a capacity to bear the strain, and to move on, despite the weight. Rather it has left me feeling bereft, and hopeless.
PD has turned me upside down. I just wasn’t ready for the shock.
John Watkins was NSW’s Labor deputy premier between 2005 and 2008. He is a board member of Parkinson’s NSW.
The crappiest lucky dip: my Parkinson’s journey, by a former deputy premier
Source: Philippines Alive
