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'I needed to talk about it. My life has changed.'

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Luverne women's diagnosis propels her to start Parkinson's support group
Lead Summary
By
Mavis Fodness

It’s been almost a year since Dianne Karlstad of Luverne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
She said she visited three doctors because she couldn’t accept the explanation of why her right hand shook as she wrote and why she couldn’t walk distances without losing her balance.
“I needed to talk about it,” Karlstad said. “My life has changed.”
Those talks with others about Parkinson’s Disease meant more than a 30-mile drive to Sioux Falls, Jackson or Windom. There was no support group in Luverne.
On Friday, Aug. 19, Karlstad will kick off a Parkinson’s Support Group meeting at 1 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 803 N. Cedar St., Luverne.
She said people have already contacted her from the posters she developed.
“I received five calls last week,” Karlstad said. “So from touching these five people, I know they need the support.”
Rose Wichmann and Joan Gardner will be the guest speakers at the Aug. 19 meeting, which is for caregivers, too.
Wichmann manages the Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Minneapolis. The center has developed a comprehensive approach to the management of the disease and related movement disorders.
Gardner is the center’s clinic supervisor.
Karlstad said the two would provide updates on Parkinson’s symptoms, treatment and practical strategies for coping with common challenges.
“No two people are the same,” she said.
Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic and progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement. The symptoms worsen over time, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
By being active in their own care, many see an improvement in the symptoms, the Foundation’s website stated.
Karlstad hopes the local Parkinson’s support group can meet monthly either with or without caregivers. A decision will be made at the initial meeting. Caregivers may want to meet separately, she said.
To register for the Aug. 19 meeting or for more information, contact Karlstad at 507-530-3307 or 283-4255.

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