Managing Parkinson’s ten years on - Richelle’s story
Summary
Rochelle Flanagan, a dietician diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s ten years ago, shares her journey of rediscovering her identity through hockey. She explains how the condition affects women differently due to hormonal fluctuations and details her advocacy work with My Moves Matter to improve care. Flanagan also discusses the challenges of progressing symptoms and her decision to pursue intestinal pump therapy to maintain her active lifestyle.
Topics discussed
Introduction to Rochelle Flanagan and her return to hockey
Diagnosis story: noticing micrographia and hand tremors
The diagnostic journey and waiting for the DAT scan
Shattering stereotypes: women and young people with Parkinson's
Managing progression: medication schedules and daily challenges
The role of hockey in maintaining identity and motor skills
Emotional impact and the power of doing what you love
My Moves Matter: research on hormones and Parkinson's symptoms
Future treatment options: brain surgery vs. intestinal pumps
Closing remarks and show sign-off
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