"Encouragement and empathy from Parkinson's nurse"

My input from Emily, Parkinson’s Specialist Nurse, Ninewells Hospital Dundee.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 3 years ago.  Last year, after visiting my GP, I was told that there was nothing else could be done to ease my symptoms and that they were a progression of Parkinson’s.  I try to stay positive but felt very low at this dismissive response.

I contacted Emily and she fitted in an appointment for me.  Emily listened to all my health concerns, and was very supportive and understanding of my situation.  From this visit referrals were made by Emily for podiatry and for physiotherapy at home to help with mobility etc.  Emily also reviewed my medication for Parkinson’s and how we could make changes that might better support me.  

Everything Emily said she would do happened quickly and her input led to outpatient appointments and a tweak in my medication.  I think it would be fair to say that my confidence and mental health had been quite poor but Emily’s input turned this round for me.  I also had follow up phone calls from Emily to check how I was.  

A year later and I have had some more health concerns which were again being dismissed.  Fortunately, Emily had been contacted regarding medication.  I had a call from Emily and again she was super supportive and understanding of my health needs and how to address them.

To say thank you does not touch on how grateful I am for the encouragement and empathy I have had from Emily.  I know that without her input my mental health would have suffered and I would have ‘given in’ to Parkinson’s Disease.  In short, my input from Emily has been invaluable in keeping me strong, motivated, determined and looked after by NHS services in managing my Parkinson’s ‘journey’.