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Caring for spouse with Parkinson's: Some days he's overwhelmed
Parkinson's Disease | Last Active: Jan 7 2:06am | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
I am my husband's caretaker and noticed what you describe. His old self appears and you begin to think/hope all is ok but then the Parkinson's symptoms show up again. Can be very frustrating for me but I imagine how devastating it is for him. Once a neurologist told me 'every day is different' and I now use that phrase often. However, often mood, thinking pattern, pathological exhaustion and extent gait freezing and shaking will change during the day also. DOPA quickly makes a big difference but even the effect of the drug is different from time to time. Met several people with Parkinson's in my new community and am amazed by the wide range of presentation of this disease.
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I appreciate your point of view. I know that everyday can be differentto the extent of exhaustion for us both. I have to do things he used to do and I see frustration in his eyes and I think we really both did so many things. The hardest for him is having to allow me to help him with bathing , shaving and sometimes dressing. I can always tell when he has difficulty, because he looks at me with a look that says "help me". His meds work..but when he starts to lose the effect of increased dopimine..he is like someone with a low blood sugar.I have dealt with a long distance with my Dad and my brother who have Parkinsons as well . My Dad died 6 years ago. My brother however is 66yo and in stage 5 with hospice. He has lewy body disease. He is totally different then my Dad..We just saw him a couple of weeks ago. It was heartbreaking. My husband is nowhere near this level. I liked the way you mentioned what your neurologist said. Thank you!!