A-Z Parkinson's: G

Gait-Genes-Guilt

Hello, lovelies. I’ve probably missed quite a few today so do add yours to the comments! I’m still blaming covid and NOT Parkinson’s, although I’m not sure I can tell the difference now!

• Gait

Normally one’s ability to travel in a vaguely straight and even line.

With Parkinson’s a weaving, stuttering and stalling motion prone to sidewards leanings and crashing to the ground. Physiotherapy and walking backwards are known to improve the comedic value. Sufferers are frequently supposed to be drunk. We wish we were.

• Genes

Genetics can play a small part in Parkinson’s although seemly not in all patients. It is not necessarily passed on through families either. Like many things in PD we don’t really have a clue.

Living in Scotland we know all about genetics and cloning sheep. (Frankly, I’d be interested in cloning myself a good night’s sleep.)

• Guilt

Guilt is described as a self-conscious emotion that involves negative evaluations of the self, feelings of distress, and feelings of failure.

In chronic illness the overwhelming sensation that you have caused immeasurable suffering and harm to your loved ones, society and the world at large. When in actual fact you are the one suffering from the affliction of being ill-and-it’s-not-your-fault.