Parkinson's diagnosis - Dennis Drakes's story

Dennis was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2006 when he was 53 and the news shook his family to the core.

But thanks to the support of his Parkinson's nurse and Parkinson's UK, he's found a new sense of optimism.

Diagnosed overseas

"Parkinson's can happen to anyone. I had been working as a consultant, flying here, flying there - that's all behind me now.

"I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but it probably had been with me for a lot longer. Everything seemed uncertain - I didn't know what the future held for me.

"I was overseas when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. It was very traumatic. A neurologist informed me that I had Parkinson's, and that was it. There was no support.

Finding support

"Back in the UK, I received support from the Parkinson's nurse. She was able to explain the condition to me in detail, and channel my thoughts in the right direction.

"She also involved my family in the discussions, as they were also traumatised by my diagnosis.

"When you're diagnosed, all sorts of things run through your mind. Like, what if I fall over tomorrow and can't walk? She was able to explain how Parkinson's relates to me personally.

"I've come a long way since then. I've responded well to the medication and learnt to manage. But there are still off days, when I feel tired, slow and out of sorts, but they don't come along that often now.

Talking helps

"When no one seemed to understand what I was going through, the people at Parkinson's UK understood where I was at and gave me someone to talk to.

"After 6 months or so, I realised that I just had to get on with my life. Parkinson's UK helped me do this.

"I've always been a positive person, but Parkinson's has given me an edge. I've made a commitment to myself and my family to be positive about things."

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