The 43-year-old Montrealer, a father of three young children, is learning to live each day “intensely” despite the difficulties thrown his way since being diagnosed with an early form of Parkinson’s.
“Parkinson’s, we haven’t heard of it happening in young people,” said Simon Langlois, for whom the diagnosis came like a death knell four years ago.
A water polo player, the athlete, who was 39 at the time, realized during training that his right side was having difficulty following his left side.
After consultation with his family doctor and further examination by a neurologist, the verdict was as follows: early form of Parkinson’s.
Like him, 5 to 10% of Quebecers diagnosed with the disease get it before the age of 40. According to statistics from Parkinson’s Quebec, 20% of them get it before they reach the age of 50.
“It was really a shock, I told myself it’s not possible,” the 40-year-old admitted.
Shortly after absorbing the news, Simon Langlois wasted no time in responding to “the urgency of living.” In particular, he went on hiking expeditions to the Himalayas and Iceland, trips that were always on his mind.
“There isn’t just one negative thing about having Parkinson’s. We live intensely and this forces us to make choices despite knowing that quality time is limited,” he philosophized.
Toma Izkovits
not just jerks
Often the image of a person suffering from Parkinson’s disease is associated with tremors. However, each Parkinson’s patient’s symptoms are different.
The right hand is moving less, limping, the tone of voice becoming more monotonous, the brain becoming foggy or even increased anxiety, the college teacher notices these signs as soon as the effect of his medicine wears off. .
Like anyone suffering from this disease, he takes levodopa, whose molecule is converted into dopamine, to limit the symptoms. Although the drug is very effective initially, its effectiveness diminishes between three and seven years after diagnosis.
“At first, I took the medicine every eight hours, then every six hours, then every five hours. Currently, I take my medicine every three hours. That’s 24 pills a day,” he said.
such financial costs
In addition to medication, Simon Langlois also needs other treatments to find relief. He can rely on two massage therapists, an acupuncturist and a speech therapist to maintain a normal daily life for as long as possible.
As a public professor, he received disability insurance that reimbursed 60 to 80% of the costs of his care. “But with the medication, the reduction in work duties, three kids, it’s a financial adjustment,” he admitted.
Rather than feeling discouraged, the father of children, ages 6, 8 and 10, said he has developed daily resilience.
Specifically, he participates in a support program offered by Parkinson’s Quebec that allows him to interact with another 34-year-old Parkinson’s patient.
“As we move forward, we discover our trajectory,” he acknowledged. There are large stretches where it’s not easy, but there are still plenty of beautiful things to experience.