I live in a nice area with a very international group of support staff, which means I get to sample a neverending smorgasbord of cultural differences, quirks and of course also fundamental similarities in their outlook on life.

In a way you could say that even if (and I hope not) my travelling days are over, the world is coming right to my own doorstep these days.

It also means I’m forever trying to explain the finer points of what it means to deal with PD on a daily basis. While some of the new support staff have personal or professional experiences and grasp my challenges immediately, quite a few others seem baffled when I initiate them in the basics of this complex affliction. I used to tell my first few carers, ‘It’s a horrible disease but at least it’s a fascinating one.’

And so it remains. With a lot of outstanding supports now in place (neurologist, speech therapist, gym/personal trainer/boxing classes, sexual therapist, occupational therapist, cardiologist) I feel that broadly speaking the most obvious issues revolve around my verbal communication and physical scope/fatigue.

I think my speech has never been better and I haven’t needed to use my wheelchair or walking stick for quite a while now. Of course it’s key to stay in the moment, count one’s blessings and not fixate on the future.

A new excellent member of staff has flagged CBT/CBD oil as a potential way to alleviate my symptoms, an avenue which I will raise with my neurologist later this month. I’d be interested to hear from any PD sufferers who have had any experience with this.

I do remember the amazing benefit of a few remedial massages provided by a therapist on the Central Coast who offered the option of having some hemp oil mixed in with the regular massage oil. It worked a treat. Again, should anyone know of a Sydney-based remedial massage therapist who also can provide this healing service I’d be grateful for your comment.