In this episode of When Life Gives You Parkinson’s, you will learn when and how to switch neurologists and what doctor’s find annoying about you.

It may be hard to believe, but doctors do not know everything about treating Parkinson’s disease. From ridiculous diagnosis stories, tragic treatment options, lack of empathy, the God complex and life altering misdiagnosis, many people with Parkinson’s have been through wringer and ultimately fired their neurologist.  

The doctor-patient relationship is critical for treating Parkinson’s. “It’s really important to have someone you can talk to openly and honestly and who listens to you,” says Dr. Rachel Dolhun, a board certified movement disorder specialist and Vice President of Medical Communications for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. “Parkinson's is really all about expressing how things are going on a daily basis, how your medicines are or aren't working, and how new symptoms are coming up or how symptoms are changing.”

In addition to Dr. Dolhun, this episode features conversations with a number of people with Parkinson’s including Dave Clark, Gil Thelan, and Jeanette Fisher-Pynn.

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Thank you to the following people featured in this episode…

Dr. Rachel Dolhun – Board Certified Movement Disorder Specialist and Vice President of Medical Communications for the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Hosts “Ask the MD” Blog and Videos.

Dave Clark – PwP, former Sky Sports television announcer, Parkinson’s advocate and fundraiser.

Gil Thelen – PwP, former President and Publisher of The Tampa Tribune, and author of “Counterpunch: Duking It Out With Parkinson’s.”

Jeanette Fisher-Pynn – PwP, and featured in our “Misdiagnosis” episode

Also appearing…

Ellen Bookman – www.pdboxing.org and on Twitter @luvlivin3

David Ashford Jones – Former Pharmaceutical Executive turned Parkinson’s advocate

Jill Carson – PwP, founder of Parkinson’s Wellness Project in Victoria, BC

Kitty Fitton – PwP, www.kittyfitton.com     

Michael S. Fitts – Michael J. Fox Patient Council

Heather Kennedy – PwP, a.k.a. Kathleen Kiddo, featured in this previous episode on the darkness of depression.

Dr. Stuart Factor - Professor of Neurology, Director of the Movement Disorders Program and Vance Lanier Chair of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000, on Twitter @ParkinsonCanada

Thanks also to our content and promotional partners

Parkinson’s IQ + You– A free, series of Parkinson’s events from the Michael J. Fox Foundation

Spotlight YOPD – The only Parkinson’s organization dedicated to raising awareness for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease and funds for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust. 

PD Avengers - We want to help end Parkinson’s disease. Join us.

World Parkinson Congress 2022 –Make plans to join us for #WPC2022 in Barcelona, Spain.

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