So although like most people, I have a "bucket list" I decided being optimistic at heart, I would need to call my wish list something else that was more appropriate, and so I have a "Pink List". Why a "Pink List" you may well ask? Well if you are sitting comfortably then I'll tell you why pink became significant to me.

There are many simple ideas and tips that I have picked up along the way from fellow sufferers, or have discovered by trial and error at home, and I'd like to share some of these with you. Anything that can improve your quality of life and maintain your independence to some degree has to be a good thing.

A person suffering from a chronic disease or some form of disability, needs intimacy with their spouse or partner as much as anyone else. Being intimate brings a closeness to a couple and is a necessary part of a healthy relationship. Many patients, too embarrassed to talk about these matters, can end up suffering from a lack of affection and tenderness which is essential to us all.

Only disabled and chronically ill persons along with their families, know and understand first hand, how difficult life can be. Financial burden is an issue not often mentioned, since no one wants to admit openly the hardship that frequently goes hand in hand when a person is unable to work due to health reasons.

Knowing when to offer help, lending a hand, and realising when to step back and allow a disabled person the dignity of managing by themselves is a fine line and not easy to judge. It is also difficult for the sufferer, as I'm a classic case of someone who hates asking for help, but in my present condition, many times I cannot perform a task, which is frustrating beyond belief.

If I could possibly colour code all the symptoms and side effects of Parkinson's, I think there would be far more than fifty shades! The symptoms are many; vary to such a degree, each patient is unique.

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered who on earth is staring back at you? Parkinson's is slowly stealing away my smile and expression. If I were a poker player, this would give me a distinct advantage, but other than that, it's very difficult for others to know what I am thinking.

Having two chronic diseases makes life quite difficult (and that's a British understatement if ever there was one!) Trying to keep both disease under ...

A young child who is chronically ill or disabled in some way, weak and fragile, may easily fall victim to sexual abuse. Unfortunately a child whether physically or mentally handicapped can be at high risk; not understanding and often unable to communicate what is actually happening to them.

Being diagnosed with young on-set Parkinson's, trying to plan ahead, we realised our apartment overflowing with "character and potential" was in fact highly unsuitable for anyone with a disability.

When diagnosed with a disease such as Parkinson's that literally takes over your life and changes everything you could possibly think of, it's hard not to be enveloped by the enormity of the situation. However, don't lose your identity and let a disease define who you are.

Anyone living with chronic disease like myself, probably experiences frequent hospitalisation. I often wonder if there should be a special club, as with airline companies who have a frequent flyer card, hospitals could create a "frequent hospitalisation club".

Assistance and companion (therapy) dogs can provide a great deal of comfort to someone who is disabled or suffering a long-term illness. The positive benefits are tremendous, and a dog can be trained to perform many varied duties to help a person at home who is incapacitated.

I'd like to share with you a glimpse into the world of living with Parkinson's from a patient's perspective. Being diagnosed with any chronic degenerative disease can be a shock to the system. Accepting and digesting such news is very individual, and a process that covers a gamut of emotions.

It would be very easy to slip into depression and wallow in self pity, bringing everyone down, but I absolutely refuse to let Parkinson's get the upper hand. I find it far more worthwhile to remain cheery, which keeps me going; boosting my family's morale and all those around me.

Sitting in my wheelchair, my husband has been asked "how is she?", whilst I'm right next to him. This is highly insulting and hurtful to be talked about in the third party. "HELLO!" can they not see I'm right here, and have the decency to ask me directly how I'm feeling?

Having a very pale complexion, I often resemble a ghost, and that's on a good day! When I'm having a bad day, I am so white, like a chameleon I blend in with the walls. I've never been one for wearing make-up, so had much to learn.

Chronic illness can last months, years or even decades. Most people struggle to remember what life was like before. And we learn to put blinkers on our vision of other people fairly early on. We use it as a coping mechanism to dealing with how crappy our own life has gotten.

If you sleep for eight hours a night, yet never feel rested and are constantly tired, irritable and unmotivated, these could be signs of chronic fatig...

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