parkinson’s Doesn’t Have the Last Word: A Mother’s Inspiring Fight
Caroline Susa, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 37, is steadfast to live life to the fullest. Now 45 and a mother of two, she battles Parkinson’s with unwavering resolve and a multi-faceted approach, proving that a diagnosis doesn’t define her.
Diagnosis: Initial Relief Turns to Acceptance
For two years prior to her 2017 diagnosis,Susa experienced troubling symptoms. “I felt tired, and I had tremors so bad that I struggled to hold a water pitcher or my son’s storybook,” she recalls. The diagnosis, initially, brought a sense of relief, especially after the first treatment eliminated the symptoms. She even got married during this period of remission. However,the symptoms resurfaced during her honeymoon a year later,leading to the realization that she was facing a long-term battle.
Writing as Therapy: Finding Distance and Expression
Struggling to articulate her feelings about a disease often associated with aging, Susa turned to writing. “I had trouble talking about this incurable disease that is associated with old age,and I was a little ashamed,” she admits. After a session with her psychologist one evening, she began writing a narrative, continuing for six months. Imagining Parkinson’s as a roommate named “Patrick,” Susa engaged in a fictional dialog, exploring her suffering, anxieties, anger, and sense of injustice. This exercise helped her create a necessary distance from the disease while acknowledging her emotions.
Active Lifestyle: A Holistic Approach to Well-being
Susa maintains a rigorous routine that goes beyond medication. Along with three weekly physical therapy sessions, she incorporates horseback riding, yoga, and music into her life. This demonstrates a proactive strategy to manage her symptoms and improve her overall well-being.
Parkinson’s Disease: Beyond Tremors – Early Onset, Symptoms, and Support
Parkinson’s disease, often associated with elderly individuals, increasingly affects younger populations. While tremors are a well-known symptom, the disease manifests in various ways, including slowed movements, muscle rigidity, loss of smell, changes in handwriting, and even symptoms resembling depression. Support networks and artistic expression play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the isolating effects of the disease.
Parkinson’s Can Strike Early: Average Onset at 55, But Manny Younger
Contrary to popular belief, parkinson’s isn’t just a disease of the elderly. The average age of diagnosis is 55, and approximately 20% of patients are diagnosed before age 40. Experts note a trend toward earlier diagnoses and a rise in cases among younger individuals, with environmental factors like pollution and stress potentially playing a role alongside genetics.
Beyond Tremors: Recognizing the Diverse Symptoms of Parkinson’s
while tremors are commonly associated with Parkinson’s, the disease presents a wide range of symptoms. These include bradykinesia (slowness of movement), muscle stiffness, loss of smell, micrographia (increasingly small handwriting), and even symptoms mimicking depression. This variety makes early diagnosis challenging but crucial for effective management.
France Parkinson: fostering Community and Creative Expression
Organizations like france parkinson play a vital role in combating the isolation associated with the disease. They facilitate support groups and offer therapies like sophrology and speech therapy. Art workshops, including theater, singing, painting, and writing, provide outlets for creative expression, with some patients discovering new artistic talents.
“Nos Premiers Pas”: A Play Sheds Light on parkinson’s at Avignon Festival
A play titled “Nos Premiers Pas” (Our First Steps) will be featured at the Avignon Festival from July 5-26 (excluding Wednesdays) at 7:50 PM at Alya, L’Espace (31 bis rue Guillaume Puy). The production will then move to Salle D (109 rue Carreterie). The play, described as “a marvelous human adventure” explores themes related to Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Theatrical Journey of Awareness and Family Healing
SETE, France – A deeply personal play is helping to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease while fostering understanding within families. The production, titled “Nos Premiers Pas” (Our First Steps), shares the lived experience of a woman battling the condition, offering a raw and emotional perspective.
“Nos Premiers Pas”: A Play born from Personal Experience
The play, “nos Premiers Pas,” transcends mere entertainment, evolving into a platform for dialogue around Parkinson’s disease. The playwright, a former medical secretary who transitioned into theater production, uses the stage to articulate her experiences with the condition.
From Medical Secretary to Theater Producer
Driven by her personal battle with Parkinson’s, the playwright founded NPP Production to bring “Nos Premiers Pas” to life.Her husband, Fabien Susa, contributed by creating the musical and sound environment for the play.
family Revelation Through Performance
the performances have profoundly impacted the playwright’s family. She recounts how her son, witnessing the play, gained a new understanding of his mother’s daily struggles. The shared experience opened lines of communication and fostered healing within the family.
France Parkinson Raises Alarm on Rising Cases
France parkinson is calling attention to the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease. Global figures indicate nearly 12 million people were affected in 2021, a number initially projected for 2040. Projections estimate that by 2050, the number of cases could reach 25.2 million,a 112% increase from 2021. The institution emphasizes that aging populations and pesticide exposure are meaningful contributing factors, particularly in regions like Hérault, where Parkinson’s has been recognized as a professional illness for farmers since 2012.
Sharing Experiences Through theater
Having already been performed eight times, “Nos Premiers Pas” is scheduled for its ninth performance at the Festival de théâtre amateur de Sète in Sète.
Parkinson’s Disease Takes Center Stage in Compelling French Play
SÈTE, France (AP) – A thought-provoking play exploring the complexities of Parkinson’s disease is set to captivate audiences in Sète, France this May. The production aims to spark dialogue, challenge perceptions, and offer solace to those affected by the condition.
A Play with a Purpose: raising awareness and Fostering Acceptance
The play, which has already garnered attention for its powerful message and compelling performances, seeks to encourage reflection on parkinson’s disease and promote a shift in societal attitudes. Organizers hope the performance will provide a path toward acceptance and resilience for individuals living with the condition.
Sete Conservatory Hosts First Performance
The play will be performed at the Manitas de Plata Conservatory in Sète on May 10th.Winning the festival’s grand prize would lead to a subsequent performance at the Molière Theater in Sète on May 18th.
Engaging Audiences, Changing Minds
The production has already facilitated meaningful exchanges with audiences, highlighting the importance of open conversations about Parkinson’s disease. by sharing personal stories and experiences, the play strives to humanize the condition and dismantle stigmas.
What support systems are available for individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s disease, as highlighted in the article?
Parkinson’s Disease: Unpacking the fight and the Stage
This article explores the journey of Caroline Susa, a woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 37, and the broader impact of the disease, including a play that shines a light on its complexities.from personal struggles to community support, the content offers insight into living with Parkinson’s.
Q&A: Your Guide to Parkinson’s and the Play
Who is Caroline Susa and what is her story?
Caroline Susa was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at 37. The article details her fight to live life to the fullest,including using writing as therapy and maintaining an active lifestyle. She is a mother of two, and her story is designed to inspire and demonstrate resilience.
What are the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Early symptoms can include tiredness, tremors (such as difficulty holding a water pitcher), and difficulty articulating feelings. Beyond tremors, other symptoms include slowed movements, muscle stiffness, loss of smell, changes in handwriting (micrographia), and symptoms that may resemble depression. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
How did writing help Caroline cope with Parkinson’s?
Caroline used writing to process her emotions, creating distance from the disease by imagining Parkinson’s as a fictional “roommate” named Patrick. This allowed her to explore her suffering, anxieties, anger, and sense of injustice, aiding her in coming to terms with her situation.
What kind of lifestyle does Caroline Susa led to manage her symptoms?
Caroline maintains a rigorous routine including medication, three weekly physical therapy sessions, horseback riding, yoga, and music. This holistic approach demonstrates a proactive strategy to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
What is “Nos Premiers Pas” and what does it aim to achieve?
“nos Premiers Pas” (Our First Steps) is a play that shares the lived experience of a woman battling Parkinson’s disease. it aims to raise awareness, foster understanding within families, and spark dialog about the disease. The play is written by a former medical secretary who transitioned into theater production after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Where can I see “Nos Premiers Pas” and what are its themes?
The play has already been performed, and information on dates and locations is provided within the original article. The play explores themes relating to Parkinson’s and is described as a “marvelous human adventure.”
What are the main factors contributing to the rise in Parkinson’s cases?
Aging populations and exposure to pesticides, particularly in regions like Hérault (France), are considered meaningful contributing factors. Environmental factors like pollution and stress may also play a role.
What role do organizations like France Parkinson play?
France Parkinson facilitates support groups, offers therapies like sophrology and speech therapy, and organizes art workshops (theater, singing, painting, writing) to combat the isolation associated with the disease.
The stories of Caroline Susa and the play “Nos Premiers Pas” remind us of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. For more information on Parkinson’s and how to support those affected, consult reputable medical resources and support organizations.
