Danny Geldtmeijer diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 29!

An interview with Danny Geldtmeijer and his wife Claudia about his early diagnosis Parkinson's.

Claudia and I want to be there for people who, like me, received the diagnosis at a young age."

The story of Danny:

After a while, he began to wonder: Could there be something else going on? Or perhaps it's just stress? Summer arrived, and he went on vacation with his wife Claudia. For two weeks, he didn't experience any issues with his trembling hand, until the last few days when he went diving and something exciting happened underwater. There it was again, the trembling hand. It wasn't that thrilling of an experience, yet it continued to shake for a while. What could possibly be going on now?

"I buried my head in the sand and carried on. The first 5 years after the diagnosis, I managed quite well. After that, it became a bit more challenging, but I still kept going for another 5 years. In 2017, I was officially declared unfit for work (nearly 10 years after my diagnosis). Working has been so beneficial for me, and I still try to do a variety of things, although it's naturally become much more limited now. I find it important to continue supporting my fellow patients, and I'm eager to share my story. Claudia and I want to be there for people who, like me, received the diagnosis at a young age. We took the initiative to establish Yoppers WestBrabant. At the launch of ParkinsonNL, I became an ambassador for the organization. It's wonderful to showcase what I stand for."

Claudia:

"It hit me a bit harder than Danny because my grandfather's best friend also had Parkinson's. His condition was severe, and he had significant speech difficulties. So when I heard this news, I recognized it and had to let out a cry. At the time Danny received the diagnosis, we were truly alone in this. Parkinson's was rarely talked about, especially not in relation to young people. There were no YOPD cafes, no Facebook groups, and there was hardly any information available about this disease. Nowadays, you hear a lot more about it, and more young people are being diagnosed. But well, it is what it is, and we've picked up the pieces and moved forward."

Danny:

I want to keep doing the things that are feasible, to make my own life as comfortable as possible. And if I can also help my fellow sufferers in the process, that's certainly a bonus. I'm working on finding solutions for myself."

Read the whole story on issuu.com/genietvanhetleven

English version: online magazine Enjoy life with Parkinson's - no. 1

Nederlandse versie: Online magazine Geniet van het leven met parkinson - kersteditie - nr. 2.