10/04/2026
Parkinson’s Awareness: A Real Story.
“I was angry and emotional. Why me?”
Three months before her diagnosis, she noticed something wasn’t quite right. A tremor in her right hand that would come and go. At first, it lasted seconds. Then she noticed it was happening more frequently and would linger longer when walking. She was more tired than usual and something just didn’t feel quite right.
A visit to the doctor led to a specialist.
Through simple movement, coordination, and expression tests, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
What many people don’t realise:
Diagnosis doesn’t require invasive testing.
Specialists can identify Parkinson’s through clinical assessment alone.
Before her diagnosis, life was full and active.
In her early 70s, she was:
• Running around after grandchildren
• Volunteering at her local op shop
• Heading into the city for shows
• Catching up with friends
After diagnosis, things changed.
“I don’t have the energy. Everyday tasks feel harder. My brain knows what to do, but I have to work harder to make it happen.”
Simple things became exhausting.
Movements slowed. Joy in food faded.
Afternoon naps became necessary.
And something she had never experienced before appeared, depression.
“I feel like a recluse. Some days I don’t want to get out of bed.”
Finding the right treatment wasn’t immediate.
Her first medication brought “three months of hell” with no improvement, something that can happen in rare cases.
But with the support of her specialist, a change in medication made a difference almost immediately.
“The tremors eased. The brain fog lifted.”
Her message to others:
“Try to keep life as normal as possible.
Get up. Even when it hurts. Keep your muscles moving. If you notice symptoms, don’t ignore them. The earlier you are diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and slow the progression.
Remember that this is not a death sentence”.
What has made the biggest difference?
“My family and my healthcare specialist.
My family have always been my biggest support, and now more than ever.”
She has chosen to remain anonymous. Not out of shame, but strength.
“I don’t want people to look at me differently. I don’t want sympathy.
Yes, it’s hard, but this is not terminal.”
Her hope for the future is simple and powerful. “I want to live as long and as happily as I can. I want to experience being a great grandmother.”
Parkinson’s disease affects more than movement. It impacts energy, mood, and daily life. With early diagnosis, the right care, and strong support, people can continue to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.
If you notice changes, don’t ignore them. Early action matters. Support matters. Awareness matters. For more information visit www.parkinsons.org.au
