The Embarrassing Side of Parkinson's

Kat Hill and Kevin Kwok openly discuss how they've managed feelings of embarrassment and shame surrounding their Parkinson's.

0:00 - Introduction
1:07 - Physical symptoms
3:19 - Communication difficulties
5:40 - Self-worth
6:40 - Focusing on what you’re better at
10:09 - Asking for help
12:15 - Drooling
13:26 - Shame around impulse control symptoms
15:10 - Moving from shame to acceptance

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[jenniferhollingsworth]

Thank you so very much for your candidness and your willingness to share your experiences! I am always blessed to hear from you both!

[wendyneill]

Two wonderful people, loved to hear your conversation. Thank you so much both you dear people😊

[raisamartinez]

Congratulations both of you!! I have PD for 14 years and I learned to laugh to most of my symptoms and ask for help, sometimes people think I had a stroke because I can't open my right hand and I say smiling oh no thanks God is just Parkinson!! Accept the things you can't change that was my first step, then try to do as much as I can with what is left of my previous life, good attitude and optimism. I pray a lot that a cure can be found, also to be strong enough and gratitude helps a lot. I don't want to see my family and friends sad because of my illness.

[lesliwilliamson]

Dear Kevin and Kat, I can't thank you enough for being willing to share your Parkinson's struggles. I want nothing more than to know how to understand, support and have compassion for my dear friend with Parkinson's. The world is a much better place with both of you in it. Your bravery and shared embarassment is a huge gift to us all, so keep flipping' us off and laughing all the way! Love you lots. Les

[allenjadeching]

Thank you for these insights. I was diagnosed with PD 2 years ago and there's a lot that makes me scared, one of it is the embarrassment from the signs and symptoms that I might have "tomorrow". Listening to Kevin and Kat gave me that inner strength saying " I can survive PD". Thank you.

[brittfinley]

Thank you for this candor and courage in detailing your victories. Very useful

[gloriamaryhaywood]

Both of these people are such well spoken about what they have and are experiencing in dealing with Parkinson's disease!! Lovely human beings who show such respect and support. My brother has Parkinson's. Along with the shaking that is a side-effect of his manic/depressive medication.
He shuffles instead of a true walk, and has a mask face and very slowed and slurred speech most times. His movements are also extremely slow. He is also showing signs of dementia.💔

[julianpenny]

Two outstanding people, so happy to have observed and been inspired by them . Thankyou 😎

[TheOriginalKilamanjaro]

Thank you all for your talks. My mind has so much trouble with PD, (rigidity one)I have to think of each step of every chore. The exhaustion from it causes me alot of physical & mental pain. Which then causes my anger issues to exale. Bathroom issues make it nerve wracking to go anywhere. I have a hard time asking for help too.

[sharoncribbs]

Kevin and Kat, Thank you for sharing. I love your positive attitude and humor. Going into my second year after diagnosed. I need to work on those things.

[mikehill]

I am taking the DAT test this week to see what is going on in my brain, but my neurologist thinks that I have Parkinson's and the Carbadopa Levodopta has been helping. Watching you share your experiences has been a great help at this point when I'm trying to figure it all out for myself. Thanks so much!

[StaverMarilyn]

I had to revisit...
I used to have a hard time asking anyone for help. But now I see, by allowing someone to help you gives them a blessing. Just a thought...

[suetreadgold]

Thank you l have so much to be grateful for but at the same time I am afraid. You are so right about what people don’t see and sometimes we don’t understand ourselves. I am so afraid of making an idiot of myself. Thank you for clarifying so much for me ❤️

[rexwhite]

I found that very useful, and reassuring..It’s good to be reminded you are not alone

[maryrichter]

Thanks so much for this video. This has helped me understanding this is real and not in my, head.

[antondelacruz]

Embarrassing and humiliating. Went from near top of the class with no effort to failing easy classes and being unable to understand new ideas without lots of repetition. Case in point it has taken me 40 minutes to write this cause i couldnt figure the best way to convey my point.

[suetreadgold]

Tory I have found my mood can change at the drop of a hat. Because I can’t explain why it’s embarrassing I seem to be apologising so much.

[joannashelton]

i too take issue with “adult-proof” lids on meds. our magnetic knife rack also holds my needle nosed pliers (to concentrate my waning grip)

[petermay]

I get embarrassed at my emotional lability lately, I find myself weeping at the sound of beautiful music for example, or just when describing a meaningful experience. Is this just me getting old and soppy, or is it my PD? Anyone else got the same issue? Great discussion, Kevin and Kat! Thanks!

[bethroundell]

Diagnosis 18 mos ago, confirmed 1 yr ago. My adult children have just moved along with my new limits. Ive had vertigo, dizziness, fear of falling for many years. It was a matter of finding out what else was coming along as added hazards. Adding more funny mishaps to life. So we decided we were going to laugh at the dizzie loopy wobbly grandma. It was our first idea in coping.