Working age - Jane Smith's story

Diagnosed under the age of 40, Jane Smith is feeling positive about living with Parkinson's and the support she has.

Jane tells us about her experience of living with Parkinson's and continuing to work.

Diagnosis

"The last thing I expected to happen to me before my 40th birthday was to be diagnosed with Parkinson's.

"Looking back, the signs had been there for 4 or 5 years. My left hand and leg would shake.

"I went to my GP a few times, but my doctor didn't really know what was happening.

"As time went by my tremor got worse and I started to develop a limp.

"Eventually, a few years after my first visit to my GP, I was referred to a neurologist. He did some hand movement tests, looked at how I moved and told me immediately that he thought I had Parkinson's. But he wanted me to go into hospital so that I could be observed for a few days before confirming the diagnosis.

"While I was at the hospital I was asked to open and close my hands, make pincer movements and walk up and down.

"The specialist in the hospital confirmed my diagnosis and offered me Parkinson's medication on the basis of what he'd seen.

In denial

"I went into denial. How could the consultant be absolutely sure I had Parkinson's simply by looking at me?

"My reaction to the diagnosis was to avoid taking the medication I had been prescribed. I was worried about potential side effects and also believed that by not taking my medication I could show that I didn't have the condition.

"After a short time, my partner and friends persuaded me to give the drugs a try. I did, and I realised how much easier my movement became after taking them.

Feeling more positive now

"Throughout the time running up to my diagnosis I was really worried how my partner and friends would take the news of whatever I was diagnosed with. So much so that I actually left my partner and went to live with my mum.

"I was scared that my partner wouldn't accept me if I had something significantly wrong – but looking back I should have believed in the strength of our relationship.

"Thankfully, since being diagnosed we've sorted things out, and my partner and I are really happy together again.

"A year after being diagnosed, I keep busy, but try not to overdo things as I get tired quite easily.

"I'm feeling really positive about living with Parkinson's.

"It's very reassuring to know that Parkinson's hasn't affected my relationships with those around me and that I can turn to my specialist Parkinson's nurse for advice if I need to."

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