“I couldn’t move the mouse well while working as a graphic designer, so I got worried.” The diagnosis comes shortly after: parkinson at 29 years old. For Emma Lawton it is the beginning of an ordeal, but also of a new life. The muscles in her neck have now given out and do not allow her to lift her head. “It’s a difficult condition to live with, I’m not denying that in any way, but it’s your choice how much you push and have a life beyond this condition.” But an operation has allowed her to return to hope. And she is now back on the runway, ready to show.
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Arm swinging badly
Ten years ago, aged just 29, Emma was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Confirmation of her comes in 2013. «One of my colleagues had the carpal tunnel syndrome on my wrist, I decided I probably had it too. So I wasn’t too worried», writes on Metro.uk. But parents do. “The I promised I would book a doctor’s appointment». He goes to the family doctor, who immediately notices some circumstances to be investigated. Emma’s arm doesn’t swing regularly as she walks, so he refers her to a neurological consultant at the hospital.
Brain exams
Brain scans show he’s in the early stages of Parkinson’s. Disorder that is usually diagnosed after the age of 60.
«LMy life would never be what I always thought it would be. Get married, have kids, have a successful career». The future is uncertain. «EI’m devastated. It was something I thought people’s grandparents had. But there are actually more than 40 possible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and anyone can get it, young or old».
Symptoms
There are 40 other possible symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The main four are:
- Tremors in the jaw, hands and limbs
- Muscle stiffness
- Slower movement
- Impaired coordination or balance
Fashion and colors
«I’ve always loved fashion and creativity, so dyeing my hair bright pink made me more social. I also decided to start a blog. I was able to get into a positive mindset very early on with the help of my family, friends and medical team. I had to do this to survive the looks and misconceptions of my condition».
The intervention
Emma recently underwent “groundbreaking” surgery to lift her head and strengthen her spine. «It was a long operation in which 30 titanium screws were used to support the spine in order to lift the head. Wedges were then inserted into the front of the neck to support the weight of the head». Now her head is straight and she can look people in the eye. But she had to risk a lot, because the operation could potentially leave her paralysed.
The catwalk
«After the surgery, I had to relearn to walk because my balance and muscle control were all wrong». Now she can continue to walk for ‘Catwalk To A Cure’ charity events in aid of Parkinson’s in the UK. «I can’t wait to see everyone’s faces and look into their eyes for the first time from the stage. I think there is a misconception that Parkinson’s only affects older men and destroys your life. They are proof that this stereotype couldn’t be more wrong».
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