Our Parkinson's Life

Episode 6. Barry & Jakkie explore the reasons for launching ‘Our Parkinson’s Life’, putting ourselves out there, and the difference we hope our podcasts might make.

There’s an update on the Produodopa pump, and we report back on our 800 mile road trip and the lessons we learned on the way.

Episode 5. Barry & Jakkie share how a vibrant and enjoyable Parkinson’s exercise class leaves Barry exhausted next day, consumed by negative thoughts and behaviour.

Jakkie, the ‘toughest carer in town’, soon has a solution…

Episode 4. Barry & Jakkie chat about how this progressive disease makes longer-term forward planning essential.

Barry shares the challenges he faced when long working hours with travelling becomes impossible, and how he has managed the transition from a busy job to pursuing a variety of hobbies and interests.

They also chat through the challenge of adapting and equipping their home for Barry’s future needs led to them choosing to move early to a more suitable property.

Episode 3. In the latest episode of our new podcast Jakkie and Barry share the experience of moving to the Produodopa pump after a decade of oral medication. Sometimes brutal struggles through the first two months are followed by a sense of real benefit and progress.

Jakkie and Barry also chat about the difficult decision of when Barry should stop driving - a real backward step in maintaining a level of independence.

Episode 2. Together Barry and Jakkie explore three facets of a life with Parkinson’s.

How, over ten years on from diagnosis, they still find things to laugh about every day, even in the most unpromising of situations.

How a Parkinson’s diagnosis need not be a life sentence, a recognition that every single day is an opportunity to share, discover and explore together.

How a Parkinson’s diagnosis is life changing for the carer as well, and how too often this role is taken for granted.

Episode 1. Welcome to our new podcast, Our Parkinson’s Life: Laughing, Living, Caring. A gentle, honest, sometimes humorous look at life with Parkinson’s.

I’m Barry, I was diagnosed in 2015, and together with Jakkie, my wife and carer, we share the everyday realities of living with Parkinson’s - the challenges, the unexpected moments, and how we find laughter and connection along the way.

We also shine a light on carers, an often-overlooked group who can feel isolated and unsupported.

Who cares for the carers?