Abstract

Gary Boyle

‘Ahh yes, you have Parkinson’s Disease but don’t worry it won’t kill you’ And so with these few words my life turned upside down. I was 44, with a loving family, a great career and a positive outlook on the future. But that morning in early September 2009 my life changed, changed utterly. In one moment my world fell apart and I struggled to comprehend what was going on: ‘Parkinson’s Disease? I’m 44, not 74’, I said in desperation to my Consultant. ‘That’s nothing – I had a lady in here yesterday and I told her that she has Parkinson’s too, and she is 29.’ My life, I believed, was over. I was up against an incurable disease that has been indiscrimately picking its victims for over 200 years. I felt I hadn’t a hope and I certainly got nothing more from my Consultant other than the brief conversation above. And yet, 12 years on, I’m still here! I’m very much alive and my hopes for the future have returned. I am in pretty good physical condition – deteriorating neurological condition aside! My journey in Life has taken a left turn for the better. Join me as I recount my story through tears and fears in the early years, to a point now where my glass is half full and my outlook is Positive!