For 12 years, Dinesh Patel, 62, a Borivli resident, suffered from Parkinson-type of movement disorder. He was scared of surgery, but finally better sense prevailed and he underwent surgery. Patel was so relieved after that that he penned a book in Marathi on his experience, 'Conquering Parkinson' to encourage other patients.
He is now in the process of publishing it in different languages. This, he believes, will help spread the message further.
While a study has suggested that early surgical intervention improves quality of life of Parkinson patients, according to neurosurgeons in city, awareness on PD is very poor leading to late diagnosis.
Patel said: "I avoided surgery because of fear. Medicines were on but I had depression, insomnia, neck pain and body ache. I couldn't eat properly. Finally, I decided on surgery."
Patel published his book in January 2014. "I am now publishing it in English, Gujarati and Hindi to help more patients learn from my mistakes," said Patel.
PD afflicts roughly one lakh people in India. It usually affects people above 50, but younger adults too are vulnerable.
Dr Maria Barretto, CEO, Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society (PDMDS) said: "Awareness is very poor. We conduct various programmes to spread awareness among both caregivers and patients."
Dr Charulata Sankhla, neuro physician, PD Hinduja Hospital, and member PDMDS, said: "Patients come to us very late. PD has to be diagnosed early and it is important to keep patient active."
Earlier, doctors used to wait 5-6 years before surgery, but now it's opted 3-4 years from the onset of the disease. "Patients should approach a neuro physician at the earliest to find out at what stage PD is, and suggest treatment and surgery," Dr Sankhla said.
Dr Paresh Doshi, director of neurosurgery, Jaslok Hospital, said that apart from the patient, PD affects the entire family as s/he becomes dependent. "The patient needs assistance in all activities. Besides, severe pain, s/he may also have hallucinations and depression. It's therefore important to diagnose it at the earliest."
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}