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De-Diagnosed: Finding a New Roadmap
29 Jun
Summary
- A man diagnosed with Parkinson's for eight years was later de-diagnosed.
- He felt like an impostor after his de-diagnosis, impacting his campaigning.
- Now 62, he is starting a new career in band merchandise design.
At 61, Mike Bell, who had lived with a Parkinson's diagnosis for eight years, was unexpectedly de-diagnosed following further medical evaluations. This turn of events led him to feel like an "impostor," deeply impacting his identity and his extensive work campaigning for Parkinson's awareness. Bell had initially found relief in his Parkinson's diagnosis at age 53, which he believed offered a clear path with medication and management.
He developed a "Parkinson's filter" of creative pursuits, including daily poetry and intricate musical career maps, alongside active advocacy and fundraising. However, the de-diagnosis last June left him questioning his previous efforts and feeling adrift. Medical professionals have suggested alternative diagnoses like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, but Bell remains uncertain about the precise cause of his persistent, unexplained pains.
Now 62, Bell is navigating this new chapter, which he likens to living a new life. He has made significant lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and reduced alcohol intake. Importantly, he is embarking on a new career by designing band merchandise, supplying his unique foldout tube maps to country music artists for their tours. This return to his organizing roots signifies a new path forward.
