Navigating Life with Parkinson's - Michael Buckley's Perspective

Swapping Tales: Michael Buckley's Journey with Parkinson's

Meet Michael Buckley, a Kiwi native who's spent the better part of his life in Springvale, Melbourne. Born in Aotearoa, his family moved to Australia when he was just six months old.

"We were a tight-knit crew, just my older brother and my parents," Michael recalls. "Aussie life wasn't much different back then, though - nuclear family style, that was the vibe."

After school, Michael pursued a degree in teaching. However, a chance encounter with an animation course derailed his academic path.

"I didn't complete the teaching degree," Michael admits, "but I've been working in animation and filmmaking ever since. Europe was the next stop in the early 80s, where I lived for three years, working odd jobs and exploring the continent."

Love called Michael back to Melbourne, where he met his wife, Sue. Together, they settled in the Collingwood and Fitzroy area, eventually purchasing a holiday home near Jervis Bay – which later became their primary residence.

A few years before the move, Michael noticed some trouble with his computer mouse. "I thought it was repetitive strain injury," he explains. "But when I started struggling to read my own notes, I knew something was up."

A visit to the doctor confirmed Michael's worst fears – he had Parkinson's. "It was a slap in the face," he confesses. "I didn't tell anyone for two weeks, not even Sue. I was in denial; if I didn't acknowledge it, it didn't exist."

Michael opted to try alternative treatments, modifying his diet and improving his mental attitude. "My practitioner really drove home the importance of self-love and affirmation," Michael shares. "I've since adjusted it to self-like, but the message was clear: be positive and continue to do what you love."

Creativity has always been Michael's passion, and he's applied his talents to advocating for disability rights through films and animations. His work earned him an Australia Council grant in 2015 for an exhibition in Hamburg, Germany.

Parkinson's has become a part of Michael's life, but he's learned to embrace the challenge. "I have a dark sense of humor," he grins. "I make light of my Parkinson's through cartoons and short films – it's my coping mechanism."

Michael's life took another turn when Sue discovered breast cancer. The couple has been navigating her treatment in Melbourne, with plans to visit a Parkinson's specialist for an update soon.

"Life's a juggling act," Michael says. "But I keep busy with the things I'm good at. Cooking can be a struggle, but I enjoy the creative process of trying new recipes. You can't let Parkinson's hold you back. Better to 'play' with it and keep moving forward."

Insights: Michael J. Fox, a renowned actor, has also been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation to support research efforts for the condition. Some general coping strategies for Parkinson's disease include regular exercise, medication management, dietary changes, social support, mindfulness, using assistive devices, and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

Michael Buckley, despite his Parkinson's diagnosis, continues to advocate for disability rights through his work in animation and filmmaking.
His passion for creativity was initially derailed by a chance encounter with an animation course.
After moving back to Melbourne, he met his wife, Sue, and they settled in the Collingwood and Fitzroy area.
Michael's early career pursuit was in teaching, but he later shifted to animation and filmmaking.
Europe was a significant part of Michael's early 80s journey, where he lived for three years.
He has a dark sense of humor and uses it as a coping mechanism, creating cartoons and short films about his Parkinson's.
Michael's initial suspicion about his computer problem was repetitive strain injury.
His struggle to read his own notes led him to seek a doctor's help.
Upon visiting a doctor, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Michael chose to try alternative treatments, including modifying his diet and improving his mental attitude.
Being positive and continuing to do what one loves is a crucial message Michael received from his practitioner.
Michael has received an Australia Council grant for an exhibition in Hamburg, Germany, for his advocacy work on disability rights.
His wife, Sue, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and they have been navigating her treatment in Melbourne.
Advocacy for Parkinson's disease research is ongoing, with organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation supporting efforts in this field.
General coping strategies for Parkinson's disease include regular exercise, medication management, and consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
The importance of dietary changes in managing Parkinson's disease cannot be overstated.
Social support plays a vital role in coping with Parkinson's, as does seeking advice from healthcare professionals.
Mindfulness and using assistive devices are also crucial coping strategies for Parkinson's patients.
Michael J. Fox, a celebrated actor, shares Michael Buckley's experience of living with Parkinson's disease.
In addition to Parkinson's disease, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and mental health issues are prevalent in the discussion of workplace wellness and medical conditions.
Chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and cancer, can significantly impact one's career and lifestyle.
Skin care, nutrition, and fitness and exercise are essential components of maintaining overall health and wellness.
Men's health is increasingly becoming a topic of interest and focus in the health and wellness sector.
CBD, once considered a alternative treatment, is increasingly being recognized and researched as a potential aid in managing various medical conditions, including chronic diseases like Parkinson's.
The relationship between work, lifestyle, food and drink, and health is a complex and fascinating one, especially in the context of chronic diseases like Parkinson's.
Family dynamics often shift and evolve in response to medical conditions like Parkinson's, impacting relationships within the family.
Parkinson's disease has influenced various aspects of Michael Buckley's life, including his career, relationships, lifestyle, and even hobbies such as traveling, reading books, and engaging in activities like auto racing and horse racing.