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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 8 August 2019
A young woman in the foreground in a white t-shirt talking into a mic

Dr Shanthipriya, 45 is a YOPD warrior and consultant ophthalmologist. Devastated when diagnosed with early Parkinson’s, she talks about how she picked up the pieces, moved forward and started the SAAR Foundation to reach out to other people with neurological issues.

Introduction to Parkinson’s

My journey with Parkinson’s began 8 years ago with the diagnosis of YOPD (Young Onset Parkinson Disease) and the question Why Me?

In early 2011 my husband and son noticed the abnormal positioning of my right arm (loss of swing). I ignored it at first. After a few months I had difficulty wearing my slippers on the right foot. That was when I first consulted the doctor and the diagnosis was a blow.

At first I was devastated and I almost broke down. I couldn’t believe and sought multiple second opinions just hoping that the diagnosis was wrong, but each doctor said the same. YOPD!!!!!!. I started reading about Parkinson’s in detail including inspiring stories of Mohammad Ali. 

Family support

As I read that exercise delays progression I followed a dedicated fitness regime, tried Pilates, Zumba dancing as also spinning. I was determined to move forward in life and this adversity taught me not to take life for granted. I started living life to the fullest with the support of family and friends.

I efficiently managed my time for family, friends and work, I am blessed to have such a supportive family, especially my husband, who motivates me in all endeavours. My friends have always been my pillars of support and this strengthens me to believe that I am not disabled but differenty abled.

As a general ophthalmologist, I used to manage pretty well. I timed my medications well. I also managed to hide my condition from workplace . My main symptoms now are: Bradykinesia, Dystonia and Insomnia. I have faced many trials last 8 years, and from 2 pills a day initially, my intake has gone upto 15 pills a day.

Public Acceptance

LAST September I stumbled upon the opportunity to take part in Mrs International Pageant held in Singapore and I won the title of Global Empowered Woman 2018/19. This was not in my comfort zone and I had to put in a lot of hard work & dedication towards it, which was difficult as I am basically a shy and an introverted person. But during the process I rediscovered my self - my strengths which made me strong and confident to accept my condition publicly. During my introduction video I disclosed my condition to the whole world.

Related Reading: Should I Share My Parkinson's Diagnosis?

It took almost 7 years for me to accept it. But after that my life took a turn

I realised my purpose and passion in life which is to start a Neuro rehabilitation centre for young adults afflicted with chronic neurological disorders. As a first step I started my blog. And then I moved on to Instagram and Facebook to create awareness, share information, and motivate and support people with Parkinson’s.

The Foundation I started

To reach out to a wider community I started my trust SAAR FOUNDATION early this year. The motto of the foundation is to support awareness action and rehabilitate people with Parkinson’s to lead a good quality of life through active lifestyle.

The mission for the foundation is very simple : to make a difference to the lives of patients with Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. To help them fight back and also to create awareness and remove social stigma of acceptance. SAAR will be a resource that these patients can go to for help, information and support.

VISION for the Foundation is:

  1. To make it into a state of art rehabilitation centre
  2. To include air, water and land based therapy. With aqua therapy, recovery is quick and as in water weight of body is 1/10 of wt on land it’s easy to workout with no injuries
  3. To include Taichi, Functional fitness, Zumba, yoga, Neuro boxing, Super Body super Brain & Aerobics
  4. To include specialist doctors,special trainers -and physiotherapists
  5. To include customised treatments
  6. To make it a one of a kind in Tamil Nadu

Shake Off An Move On

Every second of the day is a struggle for us but we don’t ever give up. We are all warriors fighting Parkinson’s. Living with a chronic illness is not easy and the diagnosis hits you hard. But embrace it and live your life to the fullest. Happiness is not money success or fame. It is when you make someone smile, when you do something for somebody. It is gratitude. Never give up. I promise to keep rebuilding myself to rebuild society.

Parkinson’s has made me a better person – stronger, resilient and more compassionate to others.

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