My name is Louise van der Valk, I am 67 years young and am single. I live in an apartment in Eindhoven, Holland, and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1990 when I was 49.
At that time I was working as a Human Resources Manager in an American/German medical company; a very stressful role. As soon as I heard the news that I had Parkinson’s, I quit my job and chose to live a completely different life. The company doctor who gave me the diagnosis told me that my life expectancy was no more than eight to 10 years (I later learned that his statement was based on old information). But I did not believe him and visited the library to find out what Parkinson’s was all about. Needless to say, I was a little shocked to find out that Parkinson’s was incurable and progressive.
I immediately joined the Dutch Parkinson’s Association and was soon asked to become a Board member, a ‘job’ that lasted for 11 years. The founding of the EPDA in 1992 gave me the opportunity of joining this European organisation as a delegate for the Dutch Association - which I still am, 16 years later. After a couple of years, I was elected as the EPDA honorary secretary, a position I held for some time.
About eight years ago I was appointed as chief editor of Papaver, the Dutch Parkinson’s Association magazine for patients and their carers, having had some experience as chief editor of the EPDA magazine. My association with both the Dutch Parkinson’s Association and the EPDA has meant that I have met some wonderful people from around the world and I would not have missed that for anything.
How do I cope with my Parkinson’s? Well, considering the circumstances I manage very well and for the majority of the time, quite normally. I am fortunate; my tremor is slight, except when I am nervous or tired and, after living with Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years, I still do what I want to do, be it low profile. I do get tired easily though but benefit from having the help of a cleaning lady every two weeks, so life is not so bad. Taking pills is a daily necessity but not difficult, although when busy working on the Dutch magazine I do sometimes forget to take them!
A great part of my life is dedicated to the Dutch Association. It is rewarding for me to produce and publish an informative and inspiring magazine for our members every two months. I work at home and can manage pretty well with the computer and wish I had more time for hobbies such as reading, painting and playing bridge. But working on the Association’s magazine is still my favourite.
Meanwhile I cycle and walk the necessary miles to keep me fit. Lately, I have a tendency to fall so I am working with my physiotherapist to manage this better. But what can you expect after almost 20 years? I don’t look to the future; living day by day is better and far less tiring. Working hard, thinking positively and keeping moving are the three activities that help me to maintain my quality of life.
See also EPDA Focus Issue 27
