After nearly two years of unexplained symptoms, including shaking in his right hand and changes to his handwriting, the Echuca local received confirmation from a neurologist that he had Parkinson’s disease.
“The three weeks waiting for the MRI gave me time to collect my thoughts and learn a bit about Parkinson’s,” he said.
“I decided I wasn’t going to be comfortable to hide the fact I had Parkinson’s.”
Mr Bruty said telling family, friends and colleagues openly about the diagnosis proved to be one of the best decisions he made.
“The response was supportive and appropriate,” he said.
Over the past 18 years, he has focused on maintaining a positive mindset and staying physically and socially active.
“The most important strategy I have learnt is to take a positive outlook,” he said.
“Manage the symptoms and focus on what you can do rather than what you can’t.”
That approach has helped him continue activities including gym workouts, walking, golf and gardening, while remaining active within the community.
“Ongoing research shows time and time again the single most important way to manage symptoms of the disease is exercise,” he said.
“Additional to this is an active social life and mental wellbeing.”
In 2023, Mr Bruty helped establish the Echuca-Moama Parkinson’s Support Group, which has since grown to about 60 members.
He said the group was created to ensure people living with Parkinson’s and their carers had support close to home.
“What keeps you motivated is helping people feel a bit better and realise there are others battling the same problems,” he said.
Mr Bruty encouraged anyone newly diagnosed to take their time and seek information and support.
“Take your time and learn carefully. Get advice and use Fight Parkinson’s Victoria for information,” he said.
While Parkinson’s remains progressive and unpredictable, he said the condition had changed the way he approached life.
“I think Parkinson’s has forced me to live in the moment rather than concentrating on the future or what happened yesterday,” he said.
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