My dad has PD

[1234dad]

Trust trying to understand and not to worry and freak out about him having this

[wifeofparky]

Educate yourself about the disease and how you can help him. Go to the Parkinson's website. They offer free booklets with info. If you understand it you will be able to help him more than you know. Share your knowledge with him and become his support group. Find a support group and attend a few meetings. Try to get him to go with you. Go yourself if he won't because you will learn so much and find people who can help you wrap your head around this. I found this invaluable with helping my husband.

[jillannf6]

hi

i agree

when diagnose d with PSP i joined thetlocal PD Supportgroup whihc has been a great thing todo

madw new firiends who understand myh problems and do not criticise

and keep a bit fitternwith TAI CHI/ EXERCISE./ AND MASSAGES

all tkaing place a tthe twic emonthlhy group meeeitngs

we also go on outings and it si good to have a sort of social lfie

lol JIll

[etterus]

Several key points....

no two cases are alike

exercise throughout the course of the process is beneficial

not every neurologist is a movement disorder specialist... a must have

[PatV in reply to etterus]

2 good very points!

[BBPILOT]

THE MORE IFO U GET AND CHAT AND DR INPUT

The more confortable you can be with PD

[goose63058]

Learn as muc as you can. Go to a movement disorder neurologist and ask quesions walk with your dad or join a gym with him and go with him. Also start now and tryto find hm a mobility dog it will take a couple years. ( trained service dogm to help with parkinson's)

[Kat00]

I too have a Dad with Parkinsons. He was diagnosed just a couple of years ago. At the time I was clueless about this disease and was actually relieved to find out that his shaking, pain and loss of balance was not a brain tumor! (Looking back, like so much of the public, I thought Parkinsons just made you shaky and you could take a pill for that!)

Together with my Mom, Dad and I have learned all we can about Parkinsons, attending support groups, seminars and connecting with others with PD whenever we can. My father and I discuss things we read on this site together and find the common bond and information shared by others to be very helpful. Dealing with Parkinsons together as a team has made us closer than ever.

Understand that your Dad is scared and frustrated. His body is experiencing a "hostile take-over" and every day he will have to deal with different symptoms. Try to remember that he will have good days and bad days. Some days he will seem as though the simplest things are difficult. This DOES NOT MEAN that his disease has suddenly progressed, it just means that on that day his body isn't functioning as well due to a great number of things (stress, medication etc.)

If your Dad seems frustrated and low on patience, just know that this is NOT directed at you! He is not mad at you, he is angry that his body seems to be betraying him. Do not take it personally, or treat him as an invalid or a child.Be patient,do not finish his sentences for him when he has difficulty expressing himself. He is still that same great Dad you love.

There is help and support here for you both.

[moonswife]

Knowledge is power. Build a tool kit. Make sure it includes an "Aware in Care" hospital kit. Have every adult member of the family carry a list of his Rx in their wallet, in case they are the person that seeks emergency care, for any reason. Good luck, and keep reminding him and your other family members, live every day like it is the last day to do and see wonderful things.

[kazn1966]

My dad also has PD and I worry everyday about him. I am sad inside because of this. I hate to see him shake. The meds do help control this though. He is 72 and was diagnoised about 3 years ago.