There Isn't One Parkinson's Journey: Helen's story
Helen was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in 2017. She talks to us about balancing life with the condition alongside raising her 2 young boys.
My name's Helen. I'm 39 years old and I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's in July 2017. It really came as a shock to me.
When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson's I had a very slight tremor in my left hand. It's gotten severely worse. I have tremors down the left and right-hand side of my body. Exhaustion. I struggle to get clothes on and off. My body locks. I walk slowly.
I have 2 young boys. They’re very lively boys but they’re fantastic. Sometimes my children can get quite frustrated that I can't do certain things with them. I have to explain that mummy needs to have a bit of time to herself.
Mummy needs that time to rest. He struggles to understand. "Why can't you come and play football with me today? Why are you just sitting down?"
It’s a challenge, but I wouldn't change it for the world. The boys help me. My little boy in particular likes to help me put my shoes and socks on for me. They're both very, very supportive and I wouldn't change them for the world.
I have a great support network, which has been fantastic. It means I can still do lots of things. I often have to ask my husband or my family members to go to the shops for me as I struggle to bag up items in the shopping aisle.
People have to cut up food for me. Carry drinks for me. Little things that you take for granted every day become very hard and very slow-moving.
If I were to give advice to someone who had recently been diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's, it would be to just live your life to the full. Enjoy life!
You’re not alone
Anyone can get Parkinson’s, young or old. And being diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's (also known as young onset Parkinson’s) can be alienating and confusing.
But you're not alone. We’ve got lots of information and support available.
"If I was to give advice to someone who had recently been diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's, it would be to just live your life to the full."