Lismore needs a Parkinsons Nurse
Why do we need a community based Dedicated Parkinson’s Nurse position in our local Government Area?
Our Lismore Parkinson’s support group are extremely grateful to Parkinson’s NSW and to our very hardworking patrons, Member for Lismore , Janelle Saffin and Jenny Dowell, OAM, for continuing to help us advocatie for this appointment.
Many people think of Parkinson’s as the “shaking Disease”, as a movement disorder. Many elements of movement are affected and we can experience things like tremor, slowness of movement, instability, stooped posture, and rigidity.
But there is so much more to this illness. Those of us who are affected often joke that we have been handed “the gift that keeps on giving “, our symptoms can be so varied and numerous.
A short list of some of the non motor symptoms of Parkinson’s includes fatigue, low blood pressure, bladder and bowel problems, restless legs, cramping in all parts of the body(Dystonia), skin and sweating issues, sleep problems, issues with eating and saliva control, speech and communication problems, eye problems, foot care issues, mild memory and thought processing problems, anxiety, Parkinson’s Dementia, hallucinations and delusions and not surprisingly; depression!
Each journey is unique and we will will not all experience all of these , thankfully. Treatments can have a massive impact on alleviating these symptoms.
Currently the most relied on treatment is a form of leva-dopa, a medication that was developed in the 1960’s and is still used today!
For some there are other treatment therapies that are beginning to be used, such as Deep Brain Stimulation, an Appomorphine Pump and Duodopa Gel, with varying results.
One of the biggest treatment options is exercise and the correct type , frequency and intensity of this exercise, along with carefully controlled medication, can see a person with Parkinson’s continue to function in our community for a long period.
To meet the needs of those living with this illness, they often do need, however, to seek assistance from a continence nurse, a speech therapist, a physiotherapist, an exercise physio, an ophthalmologist, a podiatrist, a psychologist, as well as their GP and Neurologist, to name a few.
Remember, they are often unaware that these issues are Parkinson’s related and to organise appointments and to know where to look to help alleviate these symptoms becomes almost overwhelming.
This is why the community Parkinson’s Nurse position is such a sought after one. They have extensive knowledge about the issues and how to deal with many of the symptoms. They are a tremendous help to the people living with this illness and their carers!
I would say, they are the vital link as they are able to connect, with ease, the patient and the services. We have been told that such an appointment is one being considered for the Lismore and Grafton LGA’s .
This appointment would reach out as far as those in isolated rural areas like Urbenville, Bonalbo and Tabulum and it would be so heartening to see. We urge you to join us and allow your voice to be heard.
