I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have had type 1 diabetes since 1980 and am 65. I’ve probably had Parkinson’s symptoms for at least three years prior to my diagnosis. I try to exercise for half an hour every morning and afternoon. Exercise bike, coordination exercises, etc. I have to manage work as well, and sometimes I get a bit tired of the whole thing – of having to be able to do everything that healthy people can. I’ve heard that all these years with diabetes and have worked full-time my whole life. And sure, it’s possible, but I don’t feel I have much energy or time left for anything else that improves my quality of life. Has anyone measured how much more tired we with chronic illnesses are compared to healthy people? My symptoms started with my foot turning inwards and not keeping up with the rest of my body. Like a drop foot. The tremors came later. Is that normal?

Fatigue is difficult to measure, but it is certainly more common to experience fatigue and low mood when you have a chronic illness, generally speaking. Brain disorders are more likely to cause fatigue. Yes, the first symptom you describe – the foot turning inwards (known as dystonia) and becoming less mobile than before – is quite common, but it is not weakness in the ankle (as is the case with ‘drop foot’). /Dag Nyholm