UAE- Parkinson's Disease: Being in denial mode is not right

4/12/2016 3:34:36 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) On August 13 2007 Indian expatriate Shakil Merchant received some news which both shocked and confused him.

"I was told I had Parkinson's Disease but I had no idea what it even was."

Then aged 48 Merchant says he noticed the movement in his right hand was affected and had slowed down.

"I had spondylosis which is a condition affecting the spine so I just put it down to that but when I consulted my orthopedic doctor in Bombay he told me it was Parkinson's."

Upset by the news and despite knowing little about the disease the now 57-year-old was put on medication and was advised to undertake regular and specialised exercise.

But when the disease was brushed off by his uncle he stopped following the doctor's orders.

"When I told my uncle about the diagnosis he said he had Parkinson's for years and he was fine so it was nothing to worry about. So I just didn't take it seriously."

But that was a "mistake" he says. After stopping his exercise and medication intake his body soon became "very stiff" and after consulting his doctor he was told blankly: "Do as we tell you or you will regret it."

Now managing his disease through regular exercise and medication - including the twice-weekly 'Movement Mantra' dance class - Merchant has been coping well.

"Sometimes my muscles get weak and I need help getting off the bed and chair but thanks to God I do not need much care."

As someone living with the disease in Dubai Merchant says awareness of PD is low "all over the world" especially in the UAE where prevalence is low.

"I get frustrated because people look at me sometimes and wonder why I'm shaking or doing things differently but it's because they don't know about my condition.

He says there is a need for more support groups here and admits carers need "just as much focus" as the patient.

"Caretakers need more training as they need to know more about the disease than the patient himself. But it's important they have a support system in place too as it can be psychologically draining looking after someone with PD."

Kelly Clarke Originally from the UK Kelly Clarke joined Khaleej Times in November 2012 as a reporter. She has a keen interest in humanitarian issues and loves to champion the efforts of local residents companies in offering aid and development assistance to both local and region-wide causes. She works mainly within the healthcare beat but regularly produces human interest features. In her spare to she loves to travel and regularly volunteers at Riding for the Disabled in Dubai. Kelly received her BA Honours in Journalism from Middlesex University UK in 2008. Before joining Khaleej Times she worked as a Supervising Editor for three Healthcare titles in London. KellyAnn_Clarke

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