Shynar Itkusova: It is always necessary to fight, because there is place for a miracle in life!

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic disease that damages neural cells in the brain. Countries around the world are fighting this disease, which is caused by the gradual loss of nerve cell function. Today, patients with Parkinson’s disease are also treated at the Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We held a special interview with Shynar Itkusova, who has been actively fighting the disease for the past six years and has managed to cope with it.

- Shynar, how did Parkinson’s disease first manifest itself, what were the symptoms?

- I was a very active and responsible specialist in public service, in the line of work I had to travel frequently on business trips, represent our country and speak in public. The symptoms of the disease began to appear suddenly: I began to shake before every meeting, my voice trembled and disappeared before my speech, some inner trembling appeared, and my handwriting changed greatly. It was difficult to perform small movements, for example, buttoning my shirt, cutting bread, or brushing my teeth. I could walk and stop in the middle of the street, as if I forgot how to take a step. After the changes in my well-being worsened, I went to the doctor. However, they couldn’t diagnose me right away.  

- What measures did the doctors at Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan use to prevent and treat the disease?

- When I came to Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the doctors immediately diagnosed me with Parkinson’s disease and began to treat me diligently. Of course when I heard this diagnosis I was very upset, my world fell apart, as if the end of the world had come. The doctors said that the disease could not be completely cured, but it could be managed by increasing the amount of exercise 3-4 times more than the average person needs. Since that moment and up to now, I am registered at the neuropathologist at the hospital of the Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan and pass annual in-patient treatment. Besides therapeutic physical exercises in the annual complex rehabilitation, I also receive qualified psychological help. I would like to express special gratitude to the group of doctors headed by Raushan Serikbayevna, as well as to Venera Kanatovna, Zhanar Bakytzhanovna and Galymzhan Tolkimbayevich.

- What advice would you give to people with Parkinson’s disease to fight the disease?

- Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease, and in order not to make it worse, you should try not to give up and fight this disease, and then you can significantly extend the length of your quality of life. From my own experience, I can tell you that you should not despair, because in life there is always place for a miracle! For example, a girl recently contacted me and said: “After hearing your story, I am inspired and want to have a baby too, despite my illness, just like you.” I am also very happy if I can be an example and help others with my advice. I gave birth to a healthy baby under the close supervision and support of my doctors. It is a priceless gift to me. The love for my baby made me forget all my illnesses and became medicine for my soul.

- How active are you in the Parkinson’s School opened at the Medical Center Hospital of the President’s Affairs Administration of the Republic of Kazakhstan?

- I support the opening of a Parkinson’s school. It is important for people who are being treated with this diagnosis to be able to communicate and support each other. That is why I try to take an active part in all the activities of this school. And I encourage others to do the same.