What to you do when you have trouble comunicating

Posted by redtail @redtail, 1 day ago

I have yopd I have mostly good days but things seem to progress fast now. The other day i could not talk effetely. and I cant write . I could not use my phone/ I was in the hospital for a dr appointment and needed to have a simple question answered. but no one under stood me and wanted me to go to the ER for help. I could speak, write or use my phone and could find help in a hospital.
I am fine alone most of the time but at 53 I really don't want to give up what independence I have. what do I do in these situations?

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nova11723 | @nova11723 | 14 hours ago

Hi @redtail. I don't know what is going on in your case, but I will add some thoughts from my experience with Parkinsons. I find is often hard to figure out what the basis for new developments. Early in my experience, I panicked that a new development was in fact the disease progressing. However, it can be some unrelated cold I did not realize I was fighting or due to a particularly stressful period. In your case, a hospital tends to bring out stress and can make symptoms more pronounced. I am not a doctor, but there are options for treating stress or anxiety that you may want to consider. Good luck!

emmit | @emmit | 8 hours ago

hello @redtail my symptoms (tremors) also are more pronounced at doctor's appointments. I'm only 54. two suggestions i have. 1. do you have a good friend that knows your situation and is willing to help at appts. 2. look into beech band watch the videos--its worth a try. it helps with my tremors it might help you.

southwest | @southwest | 4 hours ago

I agree having friend or family member go along with you to at least some appointments, even just one or two, would be helpful.

Staff and doctors seem to pay a little more attention if there is a second person with you. You second person can also help to fill in or smooth over the gaps in the conversation. I think a second person accompanying you reduces the tension for all concerned. A second person could help you to explain what you yourself find difficult to explain.

For me, a big part of living with this illness is becoming conscious of how it affects me, and accepting support, and asking for support, from others.

Best wishes!