This is my Parkinson's Anniversary Month
Approaching my two years diagnosed at the end of the month with all sorts of interesting things in the calendar.
Some of the events coming up this month include another newly diagnosed seminar on the GC, watching the Super Rugby Live at Suncorp, NRL Magic Round weekend plus travelling north to Raglan to see a local airshow. Should be fun.
Newly diagnosed Seminar Day # 2
Coming up is the second Newly Diagnosed Seminar to be held in Gold Coast on Saturday 21 April . Again some very esteemed speakers and as they are apparently still short of a comedy act to warm up the crowd, I have been asked to give a quick 10 min on my diagnosis / journey. My slides will be as before so should be easy to present. Prof George Mellick- the chairman of Parkinson's Queensland, Dr Robyn Lamont and Sarah Davies plus two Neuros from GC are also speaking. Hopefully what I have to say resonates with the folk who are there.
21st May is also Federal Election day. I don't have to vote but will add to the discussion during the event breaks I am sure.
What does Parkinson's look like?
One intriguing situation arose this week when I was getting my hair cut. I have been going to the same place for a haircut since I arrived in Australia back in 2005. I needed to mention that I was in a a bit of a tight timetable due to my TV interview last month and they obliged by being super quick and getting me processed efficiently. So of course question was asked "how did the TV interview go" at my next haircut. I explained why and what the interview was about, that I had Parkinson's so was part of a TV News story on PD and research.
"You don't look like you have Parkinson's" . This statement highlighted how unaware the public at large are of the variety of forms that make up this condition and shows how important raising awareness really is.
Becoming an Aussie.
Yes.. A little more progress. Forms to fill and lodge. Yawn. Its a drawn out process.
More help with Parkinson's awareness and advocacy.
YOPD catch up this month was a presentation on a different form of Light Therapy research being undertaken at QUT which was fascinating. I think I will participate in this one too, as soon as my current physical activity research project concludes this month. #thisisparkinsons
Walking.
On going through rain, and shine. Still haven't missed a day and will hit 2 full years of walking EVERY day 31 May !! . #committed
Medication.
No Change to the schedule or positive impact.
Research.
As mentioned above there is another study coming up that I will participate in - Light effect on sleep. Will keep you posted.
Pilates.
Pilates is back on Wednesday evenings, more challenges being set for me. It has been smaller numbers with just the two of us this last week. It was good to chat to Sakura the physio who manages the class about various things to do with the exercises and surprisingly I do work up a sweat by the time its all over. As I was the last one to finish i took a short video of the Pilates studio room after I was done so you can see where I spend 45 mins every week.
PFU Boxing and more.
This week we again had spin bikes for the warmup. Good to see some of the old regulars reappearing too.
Social Outings.
Lots on the calendar, regular "Thirstday" drinks with the lads are always good. You can find us at Ballistic on Montague Road from about 4:30 each week.
Work.
Head down and focus on delivery with more work coming on stream from sometimes unexpected places. Still trying to catch up and complete some existing projects. Many new projects in the pipeline and continuing to clean up existing projects. Work in Toowoomba ongoing and I have had a steady stream of prospects so looking solid for the next few months.
Land Sailing.
Waiting for each Sunday to see what's happening at the track.... and have had a few other events happening. Weather conditions mean no sailing. bah...
Otherwise for me its still so far so good.
Same Same.
And that is all for just now - keep a lookout for the next post and thanks for tagging along!