A teacher with PD - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

M766 · 09-09-2006, 03:26 AM

Good morning! I have just found this forum through Google, and hope it might be the place to find a fellow Parkinson's person or two to ask advice from.

I was diagnosed about three months ago, and have started treatment with an excellent neurologist. It started off very well, has unravelled a bit recently, but he is on to it and will sort it out, I'm sure.

I've found I luckily have no embarrassment about telling most people about the PD; it is often quite noticeable anyway, and I can explain cheerfully why I have a funny walk and a tremor.

But .... I am a teacher [big UK secondary school]. PD and teaching don't mix well - negotiating round crowded classrooms and corridors, standing too long, talking too much, writing on the board, marking work, trying to impose my authority through facial expression, stress and more stress ... all seem much harder than previously.

So have I found any other teachers with PD? I'd love to know if, for example, you feel you've lost that teacher's look which can silence a room!

Also, what do you recommend about telling students? In a way I feel it's none of their business, in a way I feel quite evangelical about showing youngsters that PD is not monstrous. In a way I feel it could help explain for example the gruesome board writing, in a way I worry that it might backfire on me. I teach mostly older students - 15 to 18, and it's a pleasant, supportive school.

Your thoughts would be appreciated. Look forward to reading them.

duttin · 09-10-2006, 03:00 PM

M766,

I am not a teacher nor do I have parkinson.I have MS but I seen your post and wanted to reply.With diseases like these it is hard to function.I commend you for the job your during and doing it with PD.I ask my 15 and 17 year old about how receptive they would be to a teacher with a visual disability,they stated that a teacher has earned there respect regardless of a disabilty,for these teachers are there future and preparing them for it.Then they stated that they do have a teacher with a speech impediment and one with bells palsy.I ask if the kids are aware of there disorders and do they get made fun of and they stated that only the jerks that are at school because the state says they have to be do it.They said that the majority of the student body highly respects these teachers and it has showed them that even with disabilities they are capable of the higher standard of teaching.Both of my children were glad that these teachers come forth with there disorders.They said it made it easier on them to understand.
My son said everyone has a disability of some sort only the ignorant have not figured that out.I walk funny too.I wear leg braces do to the MS.My son has gotten lots of teasing because of it,but he has since started educating these ignorant kids what MS is and how it can progress.
Good luck to you and your teaching

M766 · 09-13-2006, 03:13 PM

Thanks, that's really kind of you to reply so promptly and so positively.
M

Camilla1664 · 12-17-2006, 02:58 AM

Hi
I've just found this site and I am in a similar position to you. I am a secondary teacher in Lincolnshire, in a big secondary modern, and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease about 18 months ago. At the time my only problem was handwriting. I have found it very difficult to come to terms with the illness (I am an ex marathon runner). This year I swapped to part time (my subject is science / chemistry). I haven't told the students and many of the staff, but am now struggling with memory loss, lack of co-ordination and exhaustion, so feel maybe it is time to come clean. I have had difficulty with classes picking up on the mistakes I am making (kids home in on perceived weaknesses like vultures) and my behaviour control has suffered as a result. Even so, I am reluctant, after a surreal conversation with my hairdresser (who is unaware of my condition). We were talking about how you never knew what life had in store and she said, quote "I could end up getting that Parkinson's disease and staggering out into the street, not knowing who I was; that must be the worst thing that could happen to you". Reader, I didn't tell her! So ... I think it depends on public perception of what Parkinson's disease means, as to the reception you get, your catchment might be totally different from mine. Good luck if you decide to go for it!

jbphotonut · 12-19-2006, 07:07 AM

Hi!

Sorry I'm not a teacher either. But I am an Administrative Assistant at a community college and work very closely with the professors. I have not made a public announcement, but most of my colleagues do know that I suffer from PD. Before I started medication my symptoms were very noticable and were affecting my performance at work. My handwriting was horrible, and my typing speed was down to less than 30wpm. (Normal speed is 65wpm) I also experienced distinct mental lapses. For instance I have difficulty retrieving information or facts. Prior to PD I had a sharp wit. Even now with the medication I have good days and bad days. It is very frustrating! And, yes, stress does negatively impact PD. Without medication my gait was affected and I had no right arm swing. People would also comment on the slowness with which I often move. So, I am sure that you students know that something is up. No one but you can make the decision to tell them or not. I wish you the best no matter what you decide to do, and keep working with your neurologist to find the best treatment approach possible. It sometimes takes trying various combinations of drugs and therapy to get the best result possible!

God Bless! ~ JB