experiencing challenges in navigating Parkinson's as a woman
Women Experiencing Parkinson's Disorder
By Kathleen Reardon
In 2002, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 49. My symptoms had manifested subtly for over two years, prompting disagreements among doctors who could not pinpoint the cause.
Upon being told that it wasn't Parkinson's during an appointment, a visiting doctor, outside the examination room, privately informed me that he believed it was indeed Parkinson's.
Traversing the healthcare system as a woman with Parkinson's, I have encountered unique challenges. In most cultures, women's attractiveness is given significant emphasis, adding to the difficulty of accepting a diagnosis that typically affects older individuals.
Facial masking can diminish facial expressions, leading to misinterpretations. As a woman, societal expectations of constant amiability and empathy may result in others’ offense or withdrawal without recognizing that the unusual expressions are out of our control. When doctors infer a woman with Parkinson's as depressed due to expectations of amiable expression, they may misdiagnose or dismiss the patient's symptoms.
Communication with healthcare professionals should be precise and emphasize issues high on one's list. Using assertive language can help ensure that concerns are heard. As women with Parkinson's, it is essential to advocate for ourselves, prioritize our needs, and seek assistance from speech pathologists or educational videos tailored for this purpose.
Empowering female Parkinson's patients through sharing experiences has been pivotal in fostering a sense of solidarity and understanding. Finding resources specific to women and Parkinson's remains a challenge, but social media platforms and interactive discussions can facilitate learning and connection.
Research indicates that women may experience differential treatment in medical settings, with doctors potentially biased toward female complaints. To minimize potential unconscious bias, I advise women to ask their practitioners to replace the word "complain" with more neutral phrases such as "explained," "described," or "discussed."
As a preventive medicine researcher, I found resources on Parkinson's disease but encountered challenges in locating information tailored to women's experiences. Determining the unique challenges and nuances of being a woman with Parkinson's requires consultation with other female patients, often the best sources of non-clinical insights.
The Parkinson's Foundation offers a variety of resources, while organizations in Central Texas, Denver, and virtual networks like the PD Solo Network offer further support to women with Parkinson's. Seeking assistance from national helplines or local Parkinson's organizations can provide additional resources and connections.
- In the journey of managing and understanding Parkinson's, it's crucial to delve into the specific medical-conditions and how they affect women differently, particularly in the realm of health-and-wellness.
- Embracing awareness and education about women's unique experiences with Parkinson's aids in navigating the complexities of science, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness in this context.
