So You Have Just Been Diagnosed with Parkinson’s ….. What Do You Do “First”?
John Baumann
Public Speaker John Baumann loves to inspire and entertain, especially those in the healthcare and patient communities.
https://theinspiringesquire.com/2017/05/08/so-you-have-just-been-diagnosed-with-parkinsons-what-do-you-do-first/
So you have just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (or any other chronic illness), a 15 year veteran of success with Parkinson’s, John Baumann, speaks out on what you should do “first.”
I was discussing with my sister’s husband a new presentation on what to do when diagnosed with a chronic illness. I was going to present this to People with Parkinson’s, like me, at a conference. His astute response was, “aren’t you too late for most of your audience members?” He followed up by saying, “how many of those in the audience were diagnosed that day.” “You’re an accomplished communicator who has lived with Parkinson’s disease every day for over 15 years. Who better to write and speak about lessons learned then you, but your target audience should be to prepare those who don’t have a chronic illness in the unfortunate event that they get one.” This information is essential, but it is much more timely before diagnosis and definitely timely immediately at the time of their diagnosis.
-Medically Retired
7 年Great topic! I partly agree with the stated assessment of who your target audience should be. Parkinson's diagnosis usually is not a surprise to most of us who have received it. For the most part, not saying all, we have our suspicions. Those suspicions are what leads us to seek out medical advice. The diagnosis is simply an affirmation of what thought much to be happening. Of course I can only speak of myself and from what others have shared with me. What we do with that affirmation is very important. I don't believe there is one simple right action to do. There is no step 1, step, 2... We are all in a different place in our lives. Like Parkinson's, the " next step" varies with the individual. Your approach, in.my opinion should come from the experiences of those who have " been there, done that". Collect the experiences of others, pool them together and present them to the reader as such. This will actually get them started to understand there is not one answer for all. I wish I had something like this when I was first was diagnosed. This would also be a great tool for the newly diagnosed to assist them in re-defining who they are. When first diagnosed it is a time of uncertainty. Keep up the great work! Can't wait !