Connect
Asking for help as the caregiver (husband 20 yrs with Parkinson's)
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.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Connect
@mira98 I hope the appointment with the psychiatrist is helpful to you both! Will you post an update after your appointment?
@raebaby
I love this idea! Finding an activity that is pleasurable and allows us a break from our current circumstances is great. Lots of people knit, crochet, read, bake, cook, or involve themselves in other pleasant activities. When I feel a need to escape, I love to bake something with lots of cinnamon. The activity of baking, as well as the smell of cinnamon, is totally relaxing for me.
I appreciate your sharing this!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@cacrouch1958 thank you so much, sending you blessings.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@hopeful33250 I know about being safe, I was previously married to an abusive spouse. He has a psychiatrist appt this week, he's been on SSRI for years just handed out by nurse practitioners. He needs an actual MD. So hopeful we will get him on the right medication. I have my son who lives close by and two good friends. I really appreciate your message. I am ok for now! He is safely tucked in bed! I would think we'll be doing memory care in the future.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@cmdw2600 so nice of you to post. I am doing the best I can. we are also having marriage problems on top of it, he has some mild dementia and has shouting outbursts at me. This needs to stop. He is seeing psychiatry this week so Lord help him. there are so many distressing things about Parkinson's!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsWhen my husband raged around me, I started using gel pens and intricate coloring books. I felt as I used to as a kid when I oil painted. The remembered flow of the paint took me to a zen space and I survived him rather than having a stroke as I feared I would have.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
8 Reactions@colleenyoung
Thank you
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 Reactions@mira98
Like you, I am grieving the gradual loss of my husband. He was also diagnosed almost 10 years ago. Our world has become small. We have a son who is very helpful and lives nearby but the day to day living makes me sad (him too, of course). It’s the first thing I think of when I wake up.
I try meditation, deep breathing, support groups, etc., but there’s only so much that these aids can do. Best wishes to you and all on this forum. Cindy
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
7 ReactionsHello @mira98
I'm so sorry to hear of your difficult situation. It is important for you to be safe and for your husband to be cared for.
Have you looked into alternative living situations for your husband? What type of support do you have?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@mira98 so sorry for both of you. This is a hard disease for each of you. My heart goes out to you. I pray you find support both mentally and physically. My son and his wife have been a godsend to us. We have just purchased a home with a generational suite for us to live in . There is a door separating our living space from theirs. Help is just a yell away. God is good. He is there to help you too. You and your husband will be in my prayers. Hugs.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions