The long road

I am Denis Smit. Married for 40 years to the most amazing wife Tertia. I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren whom dearly love. I have had severe chronic pain for over 30 years, had more than 11 major operations (spine and leg) and hundreds of medical procedures. I have written a book about my life with chronic pain called "Pain beyond belief" published on Amazon.

I have had Parkinson's for 7 years now and I was basically doing fine but recently after a knee operation I have deteriorated a lot and was bed-ridden almost. I luckily was admitted to hospital where 3 excellent doctors fixed my meds and now I am walking unaided but still a lot unsteady.

My Parkinsons has become bilateral as well. I have developed significant voice, language and swallowing problems. I am keen to meet members who have high pain levels as well as PD. Also anyone who has voice/swallowing problems to see how they cope with it.