Blake Bell had somewhere to turn to when facing diagnosis at age 50. You do, too.
A formal Parkinson’s diagnosis can come after months, or even years, of searching for answers to seemingly unexplainable symptoms. For some, a Parkinson’s diagnosis brings a sense of relief – finally, an explanation and a name to what they’ve been experiencing. For others this diagnosis may bring about more questions than answers. Whatever you are feeling with your new diagnosis– it’s important to know you are not alone.
Your first appointment when you received your diagnosis might seem like a blur. That’s normal. Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s can be a lot to take in. Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive, and incurable disease BUT that does not mean you cannot live well while managing your Parkinson’s. You can, and Parkinson Canada is here to help you.
How can Parkinson Canada help you live well with Parkinson’s?
You have access to a team of compassionate, trained Information and Referral Associates who are here to answer your questions and provide guidance and support in English and French. They can help you understand and learn more about your diagnosis, suggest strategies and resources to help you manage your Parkinson’s and link you to other support services.
To speak with a Parkinson Canada Information and Referral Associate, call 1-888-664-1974 or email information.referral@parkinson.ca.
Coming to terms with your diagnosis may be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to help.
When you’re ready, Parkinson Canada has information and tools to help you manage your diagnosis and can make local connections to people who know what you’re feeling.
Newly Diagnosed with Parkinson’s: Blake’s Story
“I went to my doctor and I was shaking. He said, “you need to see a neurologist.” So, I got an appointment with a neurologist and he told me I had Parkinson’s disease.
At first, I thought “that can’t happen to me. It happens to other people.” That’s how I spent the first few years, in denial.
Then, I started living a more active lifestyle and exercising. I also started reaching out to others. Sharing and talking with other people that were going through what I was helped. I reached out to Parkinson Canada and registered for Parkinson Canada SuperWalk. I posted on my Facebook asking for donations and told people about my diagnosis. Participating, and sharing, became part of my healing.