Name:

John Carlin

Country of residence:

USA

Age:

53

Occupation:

Small business owner, importer and Full Time Dad (FTD)

Who is accompanying you on the Kilimanjaro climb?

My spouse - Martha Carlin

When were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?

11-1-2002

How has your diagnosis affected your life?

Actually, it has improved it by making me more aware of myself, my wife, my family and the people I have come to know and meet because of PD. I look at my diagnosis as a ‘jump start’ to improving myself, my circumstances and my world around me. Also, trying to help others in the World of PD.

What is your current level of physical disability (if any)?

I basically have very few disabilities, if any.  

Please provide a history of your disease and how the disease is now affecting your life?

I was diagnosed 11/1/2002. It creeped along and gradually started to show symptoms.  But about three years ago I read a book by John Coleman, Stop Parkin and Start Livin’ that introduced me to a homeopathic treatment called “Aqua-Cellular Hydration Formula” from Australia which I started taking. It is a more efficient cellular hydrator. About the same time I was up at the Cleveland Clinic getting an exam from a new neurologist, Dr. Jerry Vetek. All my neurologists had left Denver, where we are from, so I went to Cleveland Clinic because I had family in the area. I was introduced to a neuroscientist –  Dr. Jay Alberts. Dr. Alberts introduced me to a new PD program called Forced Exercise. Spinning on a fixed cycle or tandem for one hour three times a week for eight weeks. The program’s results were a reduction in symptoms by 35%. At this point, I changed my PD therapies to include homeopathics and the forced exercise program. I have also reduced my medications three times since then. I have a variety of therapies that I do or take to get me to where I am today. I also have an acupuncturist who got rid of my early depression without medications. Because of all my therapies my PD is practically non existent. My life has gotten richer, more fulfilling and “more better” with every passing day.  Because you appreciate even the smallest things.

What are your current views/feelings of your life with Parkinson’s disease?

Very positive and hopefully to give others hope and that PD is not the end!

How have your relationships with your family/personal/friend relationships been affected by your diagnosis?

They have gotten better and more full of zest.

What has motivated you to take part in the Kilimanjaro climb?

To show others that there is hope and that PWP (people with Parkinsons) can do just about anything they want but have to work at it maybe a little harder. Plus I got asked by a good friend Nan (Kathryn) Little who is also on the trip. Can’t let Nan do this by herself!

What is your previous experience of hiking/climbing?

We live in Colorado where there are 54 14,000 foot peaks. A past time here is “bagging a 14teener” also known as summiting a 14,000 foot plus peak. Hiking comes naturally here in Colorado if you take to the outdoors.

What are your aspirations/hopes for the Kilimanjaro climb?

I would like for our expedition to “bag this 19teener”, all of us proving to oursleves and whomever else that it is possible.

What hopes/aspirations do you have planned following the Kilimanjaro climb?

A safari and a hot air balloon ride. To take this experience home and show others that there is life after a PD diagnosis. Plus they CAN do something about it.

Please highlight any other achievements you have made since your diagnosis

My wife and I have been doing a lot more together than we did before. I have reduced my medications by taking up a more well-rounded and broader collection of therapies. I have met some incredible people that I never would have met if it hadn’t had PD. I have peddled a tandem across the state of Iowa, twice, with an incredible group called Pedaling For Parkinsons. Led by Dr. Jay Alberts who practices what he preaches. I have turned a new business corner by becoming an importer of a homeopathic product from Australia. I am writing a book about PD to help others and I am helping spread the work about Dr. Alberts Forced Exercise program and how much it has helped me.

What would you say to other people who are living with PD?

There is hope and instead of sitting around looking at Dorian Grey, get out and do something about it. It can be done; I know I help lead the charge.