‘I’m 51 and I have Parkinson’s’

SUCCESS Cavan woman raises €28K to help others

A Cavan woman diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease has raised over €28,000 for Dublin Neurological Institute, writes Michelle Taite.

Margaret Coyle (51) first learned she had Parkinson’s in 2017.

“I’m 51 and I have Parkinson’s six years,” she says. “I got it when I was 44, it’ll be seven years now in April.”

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements such as shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms gradually worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking.

“It impacts my life big time,” she says. “I’m in bed resting a lot and that’s not me.

“I’m on medication and I had gone so far that they couldn’t give me any more so that’s why they said I would be a good candidate for the operation,” she says, referring to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) she underwent in November 2021.

DBS is a pioneering procedure of neurology and functional neurosurgery, forging enormous change and growth within the field.

“Something like 17 percent of people with Parkinson’s it suits. It doesn’t suit everybody. You have to go for a dopamine assessment.

“I was the third person to have it done in Ireland,” she says.

“I feel a good difference. I’m more independent. I’m able to get myself up and dressed, whereas before I couldn’t.”

Following her operation, Margaret decided to create a fundraiser in order to raise money to help people like herself suffering with the disease.

She was shocked by its success. “My daughter put up a GoFundMe page and the money just came in and came in and came in.”

Professor Walsh from the DBI told Margaret of his intentions to purchase new PD Machines, which monitor a Parkinson’s patient’s movement.

“I wanted to know exactly where it went. I gave it to professor Walsh because the DBI is run on funding, it’s not run by the government.”

Once the monitors were purchased, Margaret was given one to wear for two weeks in order for the professor to observe her patterns of movement closely.

“I had to download an app on my phone. I wore the monitor before my operation and then wore it again after it. It’s like a fitbit on your wrists, ankles and one on your waist,” she explained.

Margaret wears the monitor all day, only taking it off at night time to download the data recorded and transfer it to Professor Walsh in Dublin.

This offers him a better understanding of Margaret’s condition, the effects her medication is having on her, and much more.

“Whether you’re walking or whether your hands are trembling or whether you’re sick or what way you are,” Margaret explained hot it works.

“Your legs, whether you took short steps or long steps or whatever.”

While Margaret knows she can never be cured of Parkinson’s, her supportive family have made it much easier for her to manage.

“I have a son and a daughter, Sean and Denise and they’re great, and I have a grandchild Sadie. I’m a new granny,” she beams with pride.

“They were both in Australia for Christmas 2019, and I went out to them on my own before my operation. I flew out to them for five weeks but I stayed 10 weeks, it was so good. I’m very determined and independent. It was the best holiday ever.”

Margaret also mentioned her partner Brian McGahern who she deems a God send.

“He is an absolute angel. I have only known him for three years. He’d do anything for me, he’s so so good.”