A father from Bromley, South London, recently shared how he noticed the first sign of Parkinson’s disease when his left arm stopped swinging while running, sparking concerns for his health.
Subtle Clue Goes Unnoticed at First
Ed FitzGerald, 50, a dedicated marathon runner, initially dismissed his wife Abby’s concerns when she noticed his arm had stopped swinging during his runs in the summer of 2023.
He assumed it was a minor issue, possibly related to a trapped nerve.
But by October, when he found it hard to type with his left hand, Ed finally made an appointment with his doctor, leading to a life-changing diagnosis.
From Denial to Diagnosis
At first, Ed and Abby did not suspect Parkinson’s disease, as they believed it typically affected older individuals.
Abby, a university staff member, explained, “I didn’t think much of it at first.
The idea of Parkinson’s never crossed my mind.”
But when the diagnosis came, it was a huge shock, especially since Ed had always been an active person.
Parkinson’s, an incurable neurological condition, causes shaking, stiffness, and difficulty moving, and it affects around 153,000 people in the UK alone.
The Subtle Signs That Led to the Diagnosis
Looking back, Ed noticed he had a lack of mobility in his arm during a holiday in Lanzarote, but he didn’t make the connection.
He also experienced extreme fatigue, attributing it to work stress.
However, a series of scans in December 2023 confirmed Parkinson’s as the cause.
Turning a Negative Into a Positive
Rather than giving into despair, Ed decided to use his diagnosis as motivation.
He is now running the London Marathon in April for the charity Cure Parkinson’s, having already raised nearly £13,000.
He said, “I wanted to give something back and turn this into something positive.”
His decision to run the marathon has special significance, as his wife had previously participated in the same event to support a childhood leukemia charity after their son’s diagnosis.
Adjusting to a New Routine with Parkinson’s
Since his diagnosis, Ed has had to adjust his daily routine significantly.
He now works from home more often and sometimes takes mid-day naps due to exhaustion.
He admits he was initially concerned about continuing to work with Parkinson’s, but his colleagues have been supportive.
Increased Exercise and Motivation to Fight Parkinson’s
Ed has found motivation in staying active despite the disease.
He’s been doing more exercise than before, even taking up non-combat boxing, as studies suggest staying active may help slow down Parkinson’s progression.
“The irony is, I probably do more exercise now than I did before,” he said.
Support from Family and Friends
Abby expressed immense pride in Ed’s determination.
“He’s tackled this challenge with huge determination, and I’m incredibly proud of him,” she said.
His fundraising efforts for Cure Parkinson’s have been heartwarming, with people from all walks of his life coming together to support the cause.
Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact
Parkinson’s affects nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a vital hormone.
While there is no known cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for those affected.
The disease is poorly understood, but experts suggest that a combination of genetic changes and environmental factors might contribute to its development.
Raising Awareness and Making a Difference
Ed’s journey has inspired many, and his determination to continue his active lifestyle and raise funds for Parkinson’s research is helping to shine a light on the disease.
By sharing his experience, he hopes to raise awareness and encourage others to recognize the early signs of Parkinson’s.