On the Grapevine | Fight like a woman

Pauline went to St Josph’s Primary School in Numurkah before attending boarding school.

Their dad believed his girls should receive a good education and considered it vital at the time for them to secure a decent job.

Pauline began studies at Mooroopna Hospital to become a nursing aid while accommodated in the nurses’ quarters. Life was busy, and she enjoyed it very much before leaving to work in Numurkah.

In 1970, she married Ian Carmichael, and the couple produced four children, Vicki, twins Louise and Darren and Peter. The family moved to live in Cobram.

Pauline was keen on sport and played a lot of tennis and netball throughout her younger years.

Life was busy looking after her husband and four children while working at Cobram Preschool for 25 years.

The last three years were quite difficult.

Life wasn’t easy. She was right-handed but began to struggle to use it. She also had trouble with her right foot.

She was able to use her left hand for most things, but still found day-to-day life difficult.

At the age of 57, Pauline was diagnosed with a thyroid issue and sent to see a neurologist.

When requested to provide a sample of her writing, the specialist believed it indicated that she may have Parkinson's disease.

It was devastating news, and she went back to see a doctor whom she had seen some years earlier, who explained that while medication for Parkinson’s had not changed much, there was a procedure called deep brain stimulation that was proving successful. Although she did advise that it didn’t work for everyone.

At St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, where specialists Dr Richard Peppard and Dr Peter McNeill had introduced the procedure, staff believed it could benefit Pauline.

The procedure was performed using a combination of sedation and local anaesthetic to allow for testing of the stimulator’s effects.

However, today, some surgeons prefer to use a general anaesthetic for the entire procedure.

The surgeons drilled a hole in each side of her head, inserting wires under the skin, behind the ears, and into the left side of her chest.

“This procedure proved to be a miracle. I would not be here without it. It has definitely changed my life,” Pauline said.

“The wires are inserted into a battery in my chest and should be suitable until 2031 when it will be replaced with another one.”

Pauline’s husband, Ian, retired at 69 and became her carer, while doing some part-time work.

Together, the couple have powered on, ensuring they can still enjoy a reasonable quality of life.

“Life is frustrating at times, and yet, I have quite a full week, swimming at Aqua, pilates, card games every two weeks, and we have started a Parkinson’s group again at NCN Health,” Pauline said.

“Ian and I also went to Moama where we spoke to a group some time ago.

“When I said I could do most things, one lady in particular was quite shocked when she learnt what our possibilities are if given enough support and the right encouragement.

“Ian is wonderful, he is a great support and fantastic cook, especially with the Webber.”

The couple take a weekend away on occasions, which they enjoy, and Pauline has both a wheelchair and a mobility scooter to help her get about.

Most Friday nights, the family comes for dinner: the couple's four children, Vicki, Louise, Darren and Peter, their partners and eight grandchildren.

It’s either a dish cooked in the Webber or takeaway.

It really doesn’t matter. It’s about family, and they just love their time together.

Fighting this debilitating condition for 25 years is quite an amazing achievement, yet Pauline possesses a rare determination to keep going and to make the best of every day.

While her caring husband, Ian, is in it with her all the way.