"Park Right Here" with Katrina...my personal journey with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease: Recent Episodes

Katrina Rochon

Park Right Here-my journey with Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a podcast that I've dreamed of. I was a nurse for 20 years so I thought I knew what PD was. I didn't. PD affects everyone differently. There's more than just movement difficulty. I hope to share information and discuss motor and nonmotor symptoms. I was diagnosed -with young-onset PD in 2014 at the age of 45. I am still in stage 1. This podcast will be more than just PD. I want to inspire and educate friends, family, medical professionals, physical therapists, nurses, PCM's, pharmacists, support groups, personal trainers, home health aides, pastor/spiritual advisor, occupational therapist, neighbors, and anyone who wants to support those with PD. I want to let you know that you are not alone. I want to share my story because it is at times funny, sad, hopefully inspiring, difficult, hopeful, and life-changing. This podcast will have episodes of various topics. An important one is your diagnosis. I will share experiences, trials, and lessons that I have learned through my journey. I will discuss the importance of being your own advocate, basic information about medication, what is and how to choose your care team, what a motor disorder specialist is, how important exercise is for PD, the latest trials and clinical research, tips and tricks on getting through the day, nutrition, the good and bad about supplements and natural remedies, the importance of a support group, what to do when you don't have a support group nearby, how to find support on social media, the importance in talking about PD with others. I want to make it clear that I AM NOT a medical professional or an expert about medications, treatments, or even PD. I am a layperson just like you and I will be sharing MY experiences regarding MY journey with PD. I want you to take what helps you and discard the rest. I also want to EMPHASIZE that if you have any questions about any medication, speak to your doctor, neurologist, movement disorder specialist, or pharmacist. I want to be transparent and honest. I will not sugarcoat how difficult dealing with PD can be or hide on my bad days. What you hear and see, is what you get. I want you to know that PD affects every aspect of your life and those around you, but it shouldn't stop you from living the best life that you can. I will interview people who work with and are associated with PD. For example, a movement disorder specialist, physical and occupational therapists, the CEO of LSVT, PWR ( Parkinson's Wellness Recovery) PD exercise group, medical professionals, those involved in clinical research, those that work for nonprofit organizations like Michael J Fox foundation and Davis Phinney Foundation, psychologists, family and caregivers, those with PD, and the many inventors and entrepreneurs who are working on treatments and items to help improve our quality of life. Possibly even Micheal J Fox himself. An important part of this podcast is that every listener can be involved. It is our podcast. I want the ideas and questions that you have about PD. I want to hear what topics you would like to discuss. It's important to understand if you violate guidelines, use bad language, bully/troll, or are disruptive, you will be reported and blocked. If you threaten or I believe you are a danger to yourself or others, I will report any comments and/or posts that I deem necessary for you to get the help that you need. I am so excited to be able to share this with you and I hope and it helps you understand what PD is and how to walk through this journey with hope and joy. Thanks for listening and supporting my dream.