Are you newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease? No matter how you received the news, it will change your life and the lives of your loved ones. However, you can do something about the disease and help maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.
Learning that you have Parkinson’s disease will affect everyone differently. Some people receive the diagnosis as a relief, while others go through a range of emotions. There are as many reactions as there are people living with the disease.
Whatever your situation, the disease will have an impact on your life. But know that you are not alone. In addition to your family and friends, you can count on Parkinson Québec to support you every day.
On the Parkinson Québec website you will find:
There are many treatments that can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Every year, more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with
Parkinson's disease in Canada.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease. The neurons that control movement in the brain gradually die and the symptoms intensify.
However, the progression of the disease is slow. There are as many varieties of Parkinson’s diseases as there are people with it. Each person’s disease will progress very differently. Do not compare yourself to others.
The life expectancy of people living with Parkinson’s disease is very similar to the general population.
There is no drug that can slow the progression of the disease or reverse the degenerative process. However, many researchers in Quebec and around the world are working to find a cure for the disease.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is based on your description of the symptoms and a thorough examination by a neurologist. There is currently no blood test or medical imaging that can make the diagnosis.
As a result, some people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease wonder if they should seek a second opinion. There is nothing wrong with asking for another opinion.
You can ask your neurologist to refer you to a movement disorder specialist. This is a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s disease.
You will be surprised by the abundance of information at your disposal, especially on the Internet. With so much information available, it is not easy to know which sources you can trust.
Parkinson Québec publishes verified and regularly updated information on the disease on its website. You will also find resources to help empower you on a daily basis.
You can also contact Parkinson Québec by calling the Information and Support Line at 1-800-720-1307, or by e-mail at info@parkinsonquebec.ca.
Others living with Parkinson’s disease are also a valuable source of information. In particular, they can help you find practical solutions to everyday challenges. You can meet these people through support groups.
The decision to join a support group can take time. But in doing so, you will find people who listen and understand what you are going through.
Each person’s experience with Parkinson’s disease is individual. Everyone adapts differently to the disease.
Common reactions to the diagnosis are shock, anger, sadness, anxiety and denial. These feelings are perfectly legitimate and natural, as are the many questions that come to mind.
Focus on what you need to know now. Give yourself the time you need to integrate the changes that the disease brings to your life. Ask for help from your loved ones or use the resources available to support you. Take it one day at a time.
Some people immediately accept the diagnosis, relieved that an explanation for their symptoms has finally been found. Others need more time to accept the news.
Whatever your situation, there are resources available to help you. You don’t have to face this situation alone. You can take actions that will help you better integrate this new reality into your life and cope with it.
Parkinson Québec can help you and your loved ones get in touch with other people living with Parkinson’s disease. Call the Information and Support Line at 1-800-720-1307, or send an email to info@parkinsonquebec.ca.
Our regional offices offer support groups to help you through this difficult time. These groups will help you learn how others came to cope with their Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Remember that you are not alone with Parkinson’s disease. There are many resources available to help you. Consult your regional office or call Parkinson’s Quebec Information and Support Line at 1-800-720-1307.
Many people living with Parkinson’s disease find that support groups help them cope with the day-to-day challenges of the disease. This is a great way to reduce stress and meet people who are going through the same experience as you.
There are groups dedicated to people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. If the first group you choose is not right for you, there is always another group you can try.
If you can’t find a group that suits you in your area, you can start your own group. If you are not satisfied with the options available, others probably are too and would be happy to join your group.
A support group can help you find hope, knowledge and strength to cope with the disease.
