John Carey

'When I was diagnosed I decided I was going to live life to the best of my ability.'

Hello I’m John and I am married to Mary (we are pictured on the left with the CEO of Parkinson's, Joe Lynch) for twenty four years. We have four lovely daughters, Hannah who is twenty one, Irene who is eighteen, Shauna who is fourteen and Caitriona who is eleven.  Rearing my daughters can be quiet demanding at the best of times, but with Parkinson’s disease it is a bigger and more demanding challenge.

I was diagnosed ten years ago at the age of 46 which was pretty young. I had been unwell for most of that year and I suppose it was a relief to know what was wrong. I would have preferred to have got a better diagnosis, but you have to play with the cards you are dealt with, the best you can. I had my suspicion that I had Parkinson’s as my right thumb had started to shake. I had two uncles on my mother’s side that had Parkinson’s and a first cousin on my father’s side, even though there is no evidence to say it is family related.

When I was diagnosed I decided I was going to live life to the best of my ability. I knew it would be a big uphill battle and a great challenge. It can be very frustrating at times but I have great patience and I wasn’t going to let Parkinson’s rule me or my life. I was in charge and I still am, thank god.

When I was diagnosed I had a dairy herd, but soon changed to a suckler herd as it was an easier way of farming. I get a good share of help from my family and neighbours and I have a very good social life, even though I don’t drink. I often sing a song or tell a yarn and I absolutely love a sing song. I find when I sing it helps my voice greatly. I’m in another world when I sing.

Mary and I with the help of some very good friends have succeeded in forming the Tipperary branch of Parkinson’s Association, which is going great. We have meetings as often as we can and someone always gets help with a problem. We like to help others and we can be contacted on:

Mary (086)3916726

John (086)1233143

Thanks for reading my page and I hope it was helpful.

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