By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more
Forum sponsored by:
Forum sponsored by Forum House Ad Zone

Parkinsons

All Topics | Latest Posts

Search for:  in Thread Title in  
Chris Evans 607/11/2021 10:11:35
avatar
2156 forum posts

Has anyone been diagnosed as having Parkinsons Disease ? If so how did it impact day to day in the workshop ? I realise severity will differ from each individual but do not want to rush into disposing of the machinery if I have years to do so.

Edited By Chris Evans 6 on 07/11/2021 10:12:46

Michael Gilligan07/11/2021 10:42:36
avatar
23121 forum posts
1360 photos

Hello, Chris

I’m sorry it doesn’t answer your question directly, but I think this might be relevant:

I recently contacted a highly respected friend for an opinion on an optical matter: His reply saddened me greatly, and brought home the harsh reality of life:

“Partly because of Parkinsons, I fear I can’t help with your […] query - I feel I don't think as clearly as I once did, and any contribution would be difficult.”

I have met with him since, and this great man is a shadow of his former self; both physically and in terms of ‘attention’ … There is still a great mind inside that feeble body, I hasten to add !

MichaelG.

Brian Wood07/11/2021 10:43:53
2742 forum posts
39 photos

Hello Chris,

I'm sorry to hear you are facing this unhappy news.

Progress can I believe now be delayed, but not stopped, and your mind is not affected as in the dementia situation, which is a blessing, but it is debilitating and progressively steals fine motor control of body movements.

I should read the NHS website information for more detail, better and more factual than many of the others. You might be fortunate in having an early diagnosis so that treatment can begin and I imagine you have a fair time ahead in which to come to terms with the condition and plan accordingly

I wouldn't rush into any sales at this stage and certainly not until you really have to

Best wishes for the future

Brian

 

Edited By Brian Wood on 07/11/2021 10:46:16

Gordon Tarling07/11/2021 10:52:29
185 forum posts
4 photos

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 3 years ago, though I'm sure I had symptoms before that. At the moment. mine's not too bad and doesn't really physically stop me from doing anything. I am finding that my dexterity is waning somewhat and certain tasks are a bit tricky when the shaking is bad, but I do manage to get most things done that I want to. What I am finding though, is that the actual will to do things is declining more than I would like - some days I find I just can't summon up the enthusiasm to do stuff and I also find that tasks which take more mental 'computing power' sometimes just defeat me totally. However, as you say, everyone is different, so I think you just have to accept things as they come. Being on the right medication for you can also help greatly, so try to be frank and honest about your feelings with whichever doctor is caring for you. I do hope you've been told that they can't stop the shaking, though I have found that mine has improved a fair bit with a stronger dose of medication.

Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have.

Gordon

SteveW07/11/2021 13:03:00
avatar
140 forum posts
11 photos

Not from personal experience but I do have two friends who do have Parkinsons. My observation is that this disease progresses at different speeds in individuals. In both cases they still enjoy being able to take part in practical pastimes, talking to like minded enthusiasts and sharing their considerable skills. For one welding is no longer a possibility but teaching others is. Another observation is that expert medical advice is key. So I would say keep going as long as you feel comfortable possibly downsizing equipment if that makes sense.

Ady107/11/2021 13:16:06
avatar
6137 forum posts
893 photos

Some people trundle along for years and cope ok

others have a terrible time with it

It's all in the hands of the gods (Darwinism), old age is not for the faint hearted

My old boy is due to have his ear chopped off sometime soon, skin cancer

Chris Evans 607/11/2021 16:37:33
avatar
2156 forum posts

Many thanks for all the replies, I am awaiting official confirmation but my Daughter (a GP) is convinced as I tick a lot of symptom boxes.

Gordon, I noticed a downturn in mental agility over a year ago finding myself using a calculator more and more instead of mental maths. I put this down to a stroke at the time but now not so sure. I will start the medication and see how I get on. The thoughts of not being in the workshop making things and spannering the bikes fill me with dread.

Chris.

Phill Spowart07/11/2021 20:31:31
28 forum posts
2 photos

Really sorry to read this. I knew a chap when I was a teenager, volunteering at a local narrow gauge line. He'd not long been diagnosed with parkinsons when I first started volunteering. Apparently he was one of the first on some kind of wonder drug for it, and he went about another 5 or 6 years still able to drive, volunteer and be quite active, then another couple of years with his model railway at home. He was a lovely bloke. I wish you the best.

Lee Rogers08/11/2021 08:33:25
avatar
203 forum posts

Chris ,I'm sure it hasn't escaped your notice but the common thread here is that Parkinsons will take a variety of courses in different people. Diagnosis is vital since there are many other neuro conditions that may initially present as Parkinsons, so good to know that you are in good hands on that score. All the best to you and keep going with the spanners.

Gordon Tarling08/11/2021 13:20:33
185 forum posts
4 photos

Chris - if you haven't already, then get a referral to the neurology department of your preferred hospital, where they have the experience to treat you properly. I started on a fairly low dose of medication, but my consultant has gradually increased the frequency of the doses and this seems to have helped quite a bit. Parkinson's UK have lots of help and information on their website and can also put you in touch with local groups for further help.

Gordon

Chris Evans 608/11/2021 16:53:02
avatar
2156 forum posts
Posted by Gordon Tarling on 08/11/2021 13:20:33:

Chris - if you haven't already, then get a referral to the neurology department of your preferred hospital, where they have the experience to treat you properly. I started on a fairly low dose of medication, but my consultant has gradually increased the frequency of the doses and this seems to have helped quite a bit. Parkinson's UK have lots of help and information on their website and can also put you in touch with local groups for further help.

Gordon

Gordon, many thanks for the advise. I will look at Parkinson's UK and take the consultants advise .

Chris

All Topics | Latest Posts

Please login to post a reply.

Magazine Locator

Want the latest issue of Model Engineer or Model Engineers' Workshop? Use our magazine locator links to find your nearest stockist!

Find Model Engineer & Model Engineers' Workshop

Sign up to our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and get a free digital issue.

You can unsubscribe at anytime. View our privacy policy at www.mortons.co.uk/privacy

Latest Forum Posts
Support Our Partners
cowells
Sarik
MERIDIENNE EXHIBITIONS LTD
Subscription Offer

Latest "For Sale" Ads
Latest "Wanted" Ads
Get In Touch!

Do you want to contact the Model Engineer and Model Engineers' Workshop team?

You can contact us by phone, mail or email about the magazines including becoming a contributor, submitting reader's letters or making queries about articles. You can also get in touch about this website, advertising or other general issues.

Click THIS LINK for full contact details.

For subscription issues please see THIS LINK.

Digital Back Issues

Social Media online

'Like' us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter
 Twitter Logo

Pin us on Pinterest

 

Donate

donate