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Hi Rayilyn, Hilary and many more... I really liked what Hilary had to say today about not sugar-coating PD. I am 16 years along the Parkinson's path, and remain a "mere mortal" . Tomorrow, we open the long-awaited Maine PD Information and Referral Center, out in the suburb of Scarborough. PWP's will dress up for the occasion. I would guess that we mortals will probably get some local media attention. I'm always astonished to learn that most people do not realize that PD is an ordeal, not just something you live with. I have terrible muscle pain, which I am sure is quite commonly borne by PWP's as soon as our dopamine level drops. My impression is that pain is not yet seen as a major cause of the exhaustion we go through, by the average public bystander. Pain management is crucial to me, and if I mention it, much more empathy and bonding with me, and considerable support , is usually offered. I think that the public perception of the disease only changes as more and more of us PWP'S go on television and radio, or are seen on videotapes, home movies, and other films. I also think that neurologists have a specific role to play in public education. Perhaps if more of us "ordinary" WP's were on center stage at the Amer. Acad. of Neurologists annual meetings, this would help. Also, if arrangements can be made with the stars to make it more possible to see "mere mortals " on stage with them, public awareness would advance quickly. Just a few coastal ramblings from Mainae, where it is cold, rainy and Novemberish today. Ivan On Fri, 1 Jun 2001 17:26:16 EDT Rayilyn Brown <[log in to unmask]> writes: > Good grief, Hilary, you've had PD 28 yrs!! How old were you when > you > diagnosed? When I survived ovarian cancer in 1979, I thought I was > home free! (SNIPPED) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn