Underlying Health Conditions

"Underlying Health Conditions"

The Living With Parkinson's Blog

Well it’s certainly been a strange few days here in New Zealand. What a blast I had over the weekend of the 7th – 10th August. It was my birthday, and I’d promised Miss Twin 10 that I’d spend it in the snow with her for years and never delivered. Finally, it happened.

We visited Mount Ruapehu for snowballs and sliding about, then beautiful Taupō on Sunday 9th August. A quick trip to the hot pools (that almost cooked us due to an issue with cold water) and some well earned relaxation. On Monday we drove home after some sledging / sledding / sliding about on thick plastic bags (very chic, me) and collapsed into a heap back home.

children sliding down a slope in the snow.
Who needs a sledge when you have a thick pair of trousers?

Thump

Then we learned that Covid-19 was back. Worse, that people infected had been in and around Taupō that very weekend. Panic hit in, but though one of our party had a Covid test as they felt ill, thankfully it came back negative.

What has this got to do with Parkinson’s? Well. It’s simple really. All those fears came rushing back to me. One moment I’d been exhilarated, sliding down snowy hills with my children, defying my legs that complained and my body that tried to tell my brain it was tired. I climbed those rocky outcrops, I threw snowballs and I had a bloody good time.

Yet then there I was, cowering behind a facemask, wondering if I should wear gloves to the supermarket and trying to calm my children whilst secretly being very scared.

Why? Well, let’s be honest. The advice was so conflicting last time for all of us, and I’m quite sure it would still be the same. Are we at a higher risk? Who knows? It’s claimed people with Parkinson’s are at high risk, yet they’re often much, much older than I am. Let’s not forget that lovely stereotype that only the elderly get Parkinson’s. It’s considered an ‘underlying health condition’ yet I feel fine. Well, I do when the medication is in full effect. Would this mean I have to stay indoors, or would people not be as concerned if I got ill? Am I one of those people ‘who would just die anyway’ when people complain about the distress of the economy? That’s always my particular favourite. There’s lots of talk about ‘these people often have underlying conditions anyhow’ as though their lives are worthless. Am I a drain on society? So much baggage that really we’d be better off without?

woman with red hair and glasses wearing a facemask in star wars fabric.
The force will repel all germs. I hope.

Charming

And there it is really. Once again, the call to listen, take us seriously and realise that we’re useful. We have value and so much to give. I’m quite sure my children would still like to have me around. My little business is doing well and my customers seem happy with my work. I contribute to my local economy and I work hard to be a productive member of society. The fact that I contracted / was born with / ended up with a neurological disease shouldn’t stop me being the respected person I always was.

Go out. Have fun. But stay safe and healthy. Exercise. All that good stuff. Until next time, Kitty.

Leave a Comment