parkinsonSpace

It was 38°C in London this week. On Thursday the result was that I officially melted. Normally I like hot weather, and normally I can operate up to around 32°C, but this week is different. People with Parkinson’s are warned that extreme hot weather may worsen the symptoms. Yet I made several crucial mistakes that are to be avoided: underestimating the heat, going out around midday to pick up something from a friend’s house and to buy a few things in the shops. I had to seek refuge in a Pharmacy that had air conditioning and in the local bakery I had to avail myself of the chance to purchase an ice cream from the newly installed stand.

My walking was up the creek, the tiredness made me sweat and shuffle along. This has persisted for the last few days. My balance is poorer and my slowness is worse. In a Tai chi class this morning I had to sit down because I kept losing my balance. I fear that my symptoms are progressing inexorably – and that is scary – but I must tell myself this is quite probably due to the hot weather. It’s important to carry on so I shall be going out walking this afternoon to pick up a few things for our holiday. I’ll put on my music and hopefully get the rhythm to mark my pace. My Parkinson’s pace.