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Asking for help as the caregiver (husband 20 yrs with Parkinson's)

Posted by cacrouch1958 @cacrouch1958, Aug 8 10:51pm

For 20 of our 33 years of marriage has been focused on my husband’s slowly progressing Parkinson’s. The last 6-9 months have been increasingly stressful. I’m beyond being overwhelmed. He is falling almost weekly, his voice is softer/more mumbled, little short periods of confusion. We have never fought; disagreed but always compromising to make the other happy. We now are arguing more with many ended often in a fight.

I’m at a lost. Feeling so hopeless and helpless. I’m broken hearted and so sad. I’m not as strong as others see me. My faith in God keeps my mind at comforted but my heart is racing and lacking strength to continue. I lack the strong hugs of reassurance.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.

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foundryrat743 | @foundryrat743 | Aug 9 8:01am

You have been through a lot, over the years, and it’s not been easy! As a caregiver, for a wife, who has been seriously ill with heart problems, since quadruple bypass, at the Cleveland Clinic, 35 years ago, I can relate to how you feel! A twist of fate occurred when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, about 7 years ago. Nowadays, like you, and your husband, there are times when my wife and I are at odds with each other. It’s been difficult for me, because my wife needs my help, most of the time, etc. there’s no time for me to tend to helping myself with my health problems. Keep on, keeping on is all we can do!

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1 reply
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coachw | @coachwock | Aug 9 8:11am

Not sure where you Live but this is what we did as my wife was diagnosed 2016 with Parkinson’s Dystonia and we got on it asap.
1) call the US and Parkinson help line-I have the number and email but won’t let me post it so message me and I can get it to you.

2) talk with a PD support group, ask the monitor if this conversation journey to help and if you need help finding one message me and I will help

3) talk with your primary Dr they should direct you!

4) get family members and maybe your pastor involved just for talk sessions and be a team as Kari’s and I said “we are in this together” put the “WE” in our journey
Gary

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2 replies
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cacrouch1958 | @cacrouch1958 | Aug 9 9:01am
In reply to @foundryrat743 "You have been through a lot, over the years, and it’s not been easy! As a..." + (show)
Profile picture for foundryrat743 @foundryrat743

You have been through a lot, over the years, and it’s not been easy! As a caregiver, for a wife, who has been seriously ill with heart problems, since quadruple bypass, at the Cleveland Clinic, 35 years ago, I can relate to how you feel! A twist of fate occurred when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, about 7 years ago. Nowadays, like you, and your husband, there are times when my wife and I are at odds with each other. It’s been difficult for me, because my wife needs my help, most of the time, etc. there’s no time for me to tend to helping myself with my health problems. Keep on, keeping on is all we can do!

Jump to this post

I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It’s hard. Sometimes to adjust to changes. I will pray that God”s love would comfort you as only He can do,

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cacrouch1958 | @cacrouch1958 | Aug 9 9:11am
In reply to @coachwock "Not sure where you Live but this is what we did as my wife was diagnosed..." + (show)
Profile picture for coachw @coachwock

Not sure where you Live but this is what we did as my wife was diagnosed 2016 with Parkinson’s Dystonia and we got on it asap.
1) call the US and Parkinson help line-I have the number and email but won’t let me post it so message me and I can get it to you.

2) talk with a PD support group, ask the monitor if this conversation journey to help and if you need help finding one message me and I will help

3) talk with your primary Dr they should direct you!

4) get family members and maybe your pastor involved just for talk sessions and be a team as Kari’s and I said “we are in this together” put the “WE” in our journey
Gary

Jump to this post

Gary thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m very fortunate to be minutes from our son and soon will be living in a suite connected to his house. Our family is centered on God and find our strength in Him.

I just sometimes need that extra hug. I would appreciate any information you can provide. I live in Southern California.

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2 replies
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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 9 9:34am
In reply to @coachwock "Not sure where you Live but this is what we did as my wife was diagnosed..." + (show)
Profile picture for coachw @coachwock

Not sure where you Live but this is what we did as my wife was diagnosed 2016 with Parkinson’s Dystonia and we got on it asap.
1) call the US and Parkinson help line-I have the number and email but won’t let me post it so message me and I can get it to you.

2) talk with a PD support group, ask the monitor if this conversation journey to help and if you need help finding one message me and I will help

3) talk with your primary Dr they should direct you!

4) get family members and maybe your pastor involved just for talk sessions and be a team as Kari’s and I said “we are in this together” put the “WE” in our journey
Gary

Jump to this post

@coachwock, you will be able to add links to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post the Helpline information that you were trying to post to kindly help @cacrouch1958. 🙂

Parkinson's Foundation Helpline
1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636)
Helpline@Parkinson.org
https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/helpline

REPLY
1 reply
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coachw | @coachwock | Aug 9 5:06pm
In reply to @cacrouch1958 "Gary thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m very fortunate to be minutes from our..." + (show)
Profile picture for cacrouch1958 @cacrouch1958

Gary thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m very fortunate to be minutes from our son and soon will be living in a suite connected to his house. Our family is centered on God and find our strength in Him.

I just sometimes need that extra hug. I would appreciate any information you can provide. I live in Southern California.

Jump to this post

Please the information below from Colleen
Keep Staying awesome

REPLY
Profile picture for coachw
coachw | @coachwock | Aug 9 5:06pm
In reply to @cacrouch1958 "Gary thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m very fortunate to be minutes from our..." + (show)
Profile picture for cacrouch1958 @cacrouch1958

Gary thank you so much for your encouragement. I’m very fortunate to be minutes from our son and soon will be living in a suite connected to his house. Our family is centered on God and find our strength in Him.

I just sometimes need that extra hug. I would appreciate any information you can provide. I live in Southern California.

Jump to this post

See information below from Colleen
Stay amazing!

REPLY
Profile picture for cacrouch1958
cacrouch1958 | @cacrouch1958 | Aug 9 5:55pm
In reply to @colleenyoung "@coachwock, you will be able to add links to your posts in a few days. There..." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@coachwock, you will be able to add links to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe.

Allow me to post the Helpline information that you were trying to post to kindly help @cacrouch1958. 🙂

Parkinson's Foundation Helpline
1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636)
Helpline@Parkinson.org
https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/helpline

Jump to this post

Thanks for this information.

REPLY
Profile picture for cstewart2025
cstewart2025 | @cstewart2025 | Aug 9 9:24pm

Wow, my heart is hurting for you and your husband. I wish I had advice, but I don't; but I will pray and hope your find a peaceful solution.

I am caregiver for my brother who is mentally/physically challenged since birth and just recently showing Parkinson like symptoms. He lives in MS

My husband is showing Parkinson like symptoms, but his has several medical issues that he sometimes ignores.

Anyway, I see in both of them what you are experiencing and I believe that's why I had to send a comment to let you know, you're not alone in this battle.

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