It's so helpful having a good GP

I just wanted to say publicly how much easier it is to deal with, and face the future with Parkinson's when you have a supportive GP.
I visited him this morning to touch base as I needed to get a new prescription of my slow release Ropinerole, and I can honestly say he is welcoming and gives me time which is so important when one is facing a future with a chronic disease.

What I also like  is that he doesn't 'tell' me what to do, we have a frank and open discussion looking in this instance at positive and negative aspects of increasing my dose up to 10mg. Then he supports my decision, giving me his medical opinions but not forcing me to do what he thinks. In the end we both agreed to keep the dose at 8mg with an open appointment to come back at anytime to discuss any changes or worries.

This may seem a simplistic thing to blog about but we all hear horror stories of GP's not taking the time to listen to patients thus leaving people dissatisfied and  frustrated.

When dealing with a condition like Parkinson's it is important to be part of a team as an equal alongside consultant, GP and Parkinson nurse specialist, and we do seem to be fortunate here in Cornwall that the support is there for when we need it. I have also agreed to participate in a research project called PRoBaND or Tracking Parkinson's. This is research funded by Parkinson's UK. So if I can in a small way help someone in the future then maybe this will not totally be in vain.

One last health related thing is that I have participated in the 'Expert Patient Programme' designed to empower patients with a long term health condition learn strategies to help cope with things like pain, sleep difficulties, falls prevention, depression, decision making, and much more. We are half way through now and while what I'm learning may not help me in the here and now, they will give me knowledge as my condition deteriorates in the years ahead and give us as individuals more control over our lives.

Well today was Gemma's birthday and we had a lovely buffet style birthday tea. I am now exhausted but it was so worth it to see her so happy, and to top it all my boy is coming home for a few days on Sunday and we haven't seen each other since my diagnosis.

Well, look after each other and see you soon.


Tony in Cornwall.