Meet Riaz – Our patient voice
Hello everyone,
My name is Riaz, and I was born and raised in Helsinki, Finland.
I’ve been living with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade. Most of my professional life was spent working in sales, first in the export business and later in the domestic market. Even after my Parkinson’s diagnosis at 46, I kept working for another five years before I had to step away from full-time work and start early retirement. Stepping into retirement was a difficult step as working has been very important for me. Retirement didn’t slow me down right away, though; I continued with sales consultancy for a few more years.
Physical exercise has always been a big part of my life. I’ve practiced karate for years, and despite the challenges with Parkinson’s disease, I decided a few years back – with the advice of my neurologist – to resume my exercise routines. And just last year, I achieved my black belt, which I’m very proud of! Nowadays, I’m also an instructor in Asahi, a Finnish health exercise, and I love working with people with Parkinson’s and older adults, helping them stay active and mobile. It’s a passion that gives me purpose and keeps me going.
Of course, Parkinson’s is an unpredictable journey. I consider myself fortunate as I’ve received my diagnosis rather quickly, and my disease has progressed slowly. If I stick to my daily routines – getting enough sleep, taking my medication on time, and managing stress – I do quite well. But every day is different, and I’ve learned to listen to my body and adapt.
Receiving my Parkinson’s diagnosis was a shock, like for many others. In the beginning, I did not disclose my condition and pretended that everything was okay. However, after coming to terms with Parkinson’s, I started to be more open about it and also more active, for example, in the Finnish Parkinson’s Association or as a ‘kokemustoimija’, a so-called expert by experience, sharing my journey with Parkinson’s to support others facing similar challenges. In my life, I’ve received much support from family, friends, colleagues, healthcare professionals, and people with Parkinson’s disease. Now, I feel it’s my turn to give back and help others, especially people with Parkinson’s. In addition, I aim to raise awareness and advocate for a better understanding of the condition.
About a year ago, I learned about Adamant Health through the Finnish Parkinson’s Association, and I participated in testing for the new patient diary. We have since been in touch, and I’m honored to be the patient voice for Adamant Health.
Living with Parkinson’s for over a decade, I’ve had my share of challenges, but I’ve also found ways to navigate life with resilience, humor, and a commitment to staying active. Through this blog, I hope to share my experiences, insights, and the little things that help me keep going.
If my experiences can help even one person feel a little less alone or a little more hopeful, then this will all be worth it.
Looking forward to the conversations ahead!
Until next time,
Riaz