I am an American living in Bangkok recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I'm feeling pretty shaky and isolated at the moment. I was wondering if anyone knows of any support groups here that welcome westerners. I do speak some Thai. Also any experience anyone would like to share would be appreciated. Thanks.

Afraid I don't know of any support groups, other than for addiction problems the concept has not really caught on here. However you should be able to find an online one.

And of course you are always welcome to post in this forum any questions, concerns or experiences you'd like to share.

If any other TV members out there have Parkinson's perhaps you could PM the OP.

Good luck!

Burlap

Do a Google for: Parkinson's thailand

There's several local hits, I've not looked into them but might be helpful.

http://www.movementdisorders.org/regional_sections/aos/regional_partners/bangkok.php

http://www.drivearoundtheworld.com/parkinsons/people/park_tpds.html

http://www.parkinsonthailand.com/ [Google Translate will help with this one]

A few more, too.

Good luck....

Mac

To the OP good luck budy!

Thanks,

I've done a fair amount of google'ing on this. Most of the sites are terribly outdated or aimed at medical professionals. Looks like I'm on my own - not very good company!

https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/resources.html not a support group but many of the books written are by people with the diseae aimed at helping others live with it

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Parkinsons-Disease/support-group is an online forum for people with PD. Not sure where based but seems to be native English speakers so probably US, UK or Oz. Need to be aware that some of the medical info may not be accurate. This is the dilemma: the sites that are scientifically reliable are indeed hard for a lay person to understand (and do not get at the subjective experience), and the peer group sites sometimes unintentionally spread misinformation. with that caveat in mind, you may still find it a useful source of support.

http://www.parkinsonsblognetwork.com/ less of a forum than the above but includes some personal blogs by people with PD

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/best-parkinsons-blogs lists a number of online blogs by people w/ PD. You might be bale to connect with some by email if their stories resonate with you.

This is not a flippant suggestion but why not start one up? Help you to concentrate and maybe link up with other sufferers? Whatever the outcome I send you my best wishes .

Thanks Sheryl!

I sort of feel guilty - like you're doing my homework! I'll investigate these sites.

This is not a flippant suggestion but why not start one up? Help you to concentrate and maybe link up with other sufferers? Whatever the outcome I send you my best wishes .

That's a good idea, John. The main problem I have with it is I don't have a clue about what takes place at these groups. Another possible issue is language - my guess is there aren't enough farang here with this problem to form a group, so I'd have to try to organize this in Thai, that will be fun!

Well with the Internet the group could be web based so why not start by posting to the various expats clubs for expressions of interest?

My dad has Parkinson's for the past 10 years. It's a shitty thing and he has good days and bad days. It's very hard for all concerned in the family but we get by. I have to say though, he was far worse when he was in contact with other sufferers as it was like seeing himself in a mirror. He didn't want to see or talk to others like him he basically chooses to throw himself into his hobby and go with the flow.

My advice to you for what it's worth is find something you enjoy and do it for as long as u can and when you can't do it anymore, find something else.

Good luck mate.

Just read the news today that Billy Connolly was diagnosed with Parkinson's.

Google Daily Strength, they have a support groups for everything. Great resource for getting your questions as well.