Patient with Parkinson's Disease praises therapy team for ongoing compassion and support
A man who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease has praised the compassion and support shown to him by UHDB's Parkinson's therapy team after he was delivered what he called a 'devastating' diagnosis.
47-year-old Scott Beighton, has candidly spoken about the ongoing support he has received from the Specialist Rehabilitation Team at Florence Nightingale Community Hospital who he said were 'instrumental' in helping him come to terms with his life-changing diagnosis.
The team is holding an event in September to raise awareness about Parkinson's Disease which currently affects around 145,000 people in the UK.
Scott first discovered a tremor in his right-hand side around six years ago, and after an appointment with his GP he referred to the Neurology team at Royal Derby Hospital where he was later informed he had Parkinson's Disease.
Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over time. A person with Parkinson's Disease can experience a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
The news was a blow for Scott who said he left the hospital in a state of shock, not knowing what to say or feel. Fast-forward to this year and Scott has not only learned how to live with Parkinson's Disease, but he is also thriving and flying the flag for others with the diagnosis.
Scott said: "When I was first told I had Parkinson's it knocked me for six but within two weeks I had my first appointment with a specialist nurse who talked me through the medication and treatment available. After an hour with a member of the team, I realised I wasn’t going to die in the next few months and my anxiety reduced massively.
"They explained that there is no timeline as everyone is different. While things would gradually become worse I am not going to deteriorate overnight. I had to learn how to manage my feelings and emotions and how to combat the negatives that I faced every day."
Scott was referred to the Specialist Rehabilitation team and after speaking with friends and family, decided to take up running in a bid to build his confidence, which has acted as a form of therapy for him. Now, Scott runs four times a week and has completed a number of events including ultra - marathons. Scott credits the support of the team as being 'instrumental' in keeping his spirits up during the hard times and said their encouragement inspired him to pursue his love of running which has been vital in his journey.
Scott said: "Being told you have Parkinson's is a bit like being punched in the stomach and having all the air knocked out of you repeatedly. I started a grieving process for what was and what will be, but the whole team were a lifeline for me and really encouraged me to take part in as much physical activity as possible."
"Taking part in any running events is a massive achievement for me due to the physicality and additional strain that my body is under. After my diagnosis I loathed my body but the team has motivated me to achieve goals and targets, and have been instrumental in helping me to manage the physical side of the disease.
"I have already come a long way and while that is down to medication and my physical activity, such a huge part of that is thanks to the support, encouragement and praise the team have continued to give me since the first day we met, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them."
Olivia Strachan, Senior Physiotherapist at UHDB, said being diagnosed with Parkinson's is life changing and the way in which an individual is told and the months after a diagnosis are crucial in their journey.
Olivia said: "Our service aims to provide people with the information and support to adjust to the diagnosis and better manage their symptoms. The Derby Parkinson's team takes a full multi-disciplinary team [MDT] approach which has enabled us to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence from the Parkinson's Foundation, of which there we are one of only two in the UK. We provide holistic management from diagnosis through an individual's journey to the later stages of life."
The Parkinson's Therapy team will be holding a health event on Wednesday, 6 September at Moorways Sports Village and Water Park to raise awareness about the support they offer at UHDB and what's available in the community for those living with Parkinson's.
The event, which will take place from 9.30am until 3pm, is a collaboration between the UHDB colleagues and Everyone Active and will feature information stands, taster sessions in the pool and exercise studios and a tombola, raffle and cake sale.