Updated 12:37 | Posted 12:24 p.m
Björn Hellkvist misses the pre-season tournament Strömstad Hockey Classic.
Leksand’s coach is still on sick leave.
– You don’t always get what you want, says Hellkvist.
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Björn Hellkvist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease already 14 years ago and during the summer he had an operation on his brain.
When Leksand went on the ice last week, Hellkvist was not there and the coach is also not at the Strömstad Hockey Classic this coming weekend, which he first told The Express.
– I want to go back to work, but I have to find time to sort these things out, Hellkvist told Sportbladet.
Wanted to go back straight away
Hellkvist says that he wants to be in peace during his sick leave. He doesn’t want any sob story or black headlines.
– This is not dangerous, it’s just that I have to get this sorted, he says.
– It’s quite private stuff. It’s in my brain and it’s connected to my illness. The last few years have not been entirely optimal. It’s been great though, I’ve had a lot of help, and now I’m hoping it gets better.
It must take the time it takes to come back?
– I wanted to go back yesterday. But you don’t always get what you want.
– I clearly hoped that I would be back this week. But it didn’t turn out that way and you have to accept that fate is what it is. It is important to play the cards you are dealt correctly. As long as you have cards in your hand, you can always make something of them.
“Had an incredible luck”
Hellkvist needs the extra sick leave to get ready for the season.
– If I stress too much now, I won’t be able to do a good job. It’s better to make sure this turns out well, he says and points out that he doesn’t want to talk too much about his illness.
– I know how it works and I’m not going to complain, because no one has forced me to be a hockey coach. I’ve been extremely lucky in my situation and right now I’m trying to get the conditions to do something good with the cards I have in hand, he says.
FACT
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a neurological disease that destroys the cells that produce dopamine, making it difficult for the brain to control the nerve signals that control movement.
The disease usually begins after the age of 55.
The first symptom is usually a vague discomfort on one side of the body. After that, you may experience tremors and stiffness, find it harder to move and multitask.
Other symptoms can be low blood pressure, constipation, cramps, sweating, eczema, reduced sex drive or difficulty in tasting and smelling.
It is not possible to get rid of Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments and medicines that can reduce the symptoms. Many sufferers can live as usual for many years, but over time the symptoms become more severe.
(Source: 1177)
Read morefull screenBjörn Hellkvist. Photo: SIMON ELIASSON / BILDBYRÅN
2023-08-08 10:25:13
#Leksands #coach #sick #leave #brain #operation
