Are you feeling better?

[justhavefun2]

I am recently diagnosed and folks keep asking me if I am feeling better. I understand that they are trying to be positive/caring. I usually go into an explanation about PD being a progressive disease...we just manage symptoms and do the best we can. (And, no, I feel crummy...) Any advice as to what to say so as to not complain/be negative, but get the point across? Thanks for your thoughts!

[lempa_nik]

"Thank you for asking. Very good compared to someone undergoing Chinese Water Torture. (laugh) "

[RS313 in reply to lempa_nik]

lol humor is always good.it helps to laugh

[justhavefun2 in reply to lempa_nik]

That’s hilarious...you have a great sense of humor!

[laglag]

Some days, or hours, are better than others. Right now I'm doing fairly well. Thanks for asking. (Most people don't have a clue what the symptoms are so you basically just have to keep your response short).

[jeffreyn]

When my sister phones me each week she always asks: "How is your Parkinson's?"

I always rely: "It's fine. My Parkinson's doesn't progress much week to week."

To which she always replies: "Oh, that's good."

We both get what we want out of the exchange.

(I'm still at an early stage, so my response is actually fairly accurate.)

[Astra7]

They don't understand and they don't really want to know. I just say 'I'm doing ok thanks' as i don't want them to talk about it or say uninformed things. Also if you complain people start to avoid you! I use this site and the sympathetic people here when I need a whinge!!

[Kpaschel1]

Most people I know might ask how I’m doing but really don’t care to know the honest truth. They don’t get it. Thank goodness for support groups. The wonderful people that I have met through the groups ask and do care to listen to how I really feel. Parkies are awesome people!

[justhavefun2]

Thanks so very much for your thoughts! I’ll be better prepared next time someone asks...hopefully, it won’t be on one of those Chinese Water Torture days...but if it is I will be ready with a sincere response. You all are wonderful to help me! Thanks again!!

[DEAT]

Even more frustrating is when someone hears you have pd.

Comments :

Well its a good time to have pd, they will find a cure soon.

OR

You're lucky that they have such good medicines now.

Smiling is my response. No words possible !!

[missmilou]

Maybe someone can come up with a response that is similar to the

“ Have a nice day” one which is:

Thank you, but I have other plans.”

[Kwinholt]

I understand what you are saying. I’m a young on set diagnosis , for 5 years now. Most people are sincere when they ask how are you doing, but they truely don’t understand and something are hard to explain or find a comparison for them to understand . I get so mad when someone hears that I have PD and says , well at least you won’t die from it . 😡 WHAT!!! I’ve already had to morn the person I was but keep pushing hard to maintain the fit and positive additude . Keep the smile on your face . 😊

[justhavefun2 in reply to Kwinholt]

I hear you! There are frequent reminders of our former selves and it feels like we get to mourn and re-mourn those losses. The trick is how to celebrate what we still have and the new friends/experiences we have gained on this journey. I am grateful for this group!

[Maltipom]

My 85 year old mom: Are you feeling better?

Not wanting her to worry I say: I'm feeling okay.

Mom: Well you look better.

Me: I feel okay.

Mom: I saw someone on TV who has what you have and they got better.

Me: Really, who?

Mom: I don't remember but they said they got better.

Me: (banging my head against the wall) sigh.

Fun times😊

[Cbgs]

Omg

I have to admit

I hate when asked “ is it getting better “!

I want to scream!

Instead

I smile and say

“ things could be worse”

C’est la vie

Be well my friends out here!

C!

[justhavefun2 in reply to Cbgs]

Great response!

[justhavefun2]

Lol that is exactly what I am talking about!!