How Do I Cope with the Holidays If I Have Parkinson's?

My husband doesn't like to be around people because of pd, but I always encourage him because being by yourself all the time wi)l encourage depression. So enjoy the season with loved ones and don't think you are disadvantaged in anyway. God"s blessings peace and warmest regard

Hello @dessertflower and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. I see that you recently joined Connect. I'm sorry to hear of your husband's diagnosis of PD. Is this a recent diagnosis or has he had PD for a while now? Are his symptoms well managed?

I hope that you post again and that you have a lovely holiday season.

No, we"be been at it for years. I think 5_6 years. Sometimes it's really bad. Am holding on to God. The fear of losing him scares me when I see him so down the many times he has crisis but God helps me all the time. In Nigeria it's difficult with this ailment. Not only this but many others. It's heartbreaking to see all these sufferings. The answers we get is this is all we can do!?!? You leave the doctor"s room feeling more helpless than when you got there. Hey! Don't let me bore you with my frustrations. Do have a wonderful Christmas and New year celebrations. God bless you and your family. Warmest regards

@dessertflower

Connect is a great place to express your feelings of frustration as you deal with your husband's chronic illness. Parkinson's is a brain disorder and certainly can cause mood fluctuations and depression.

Do not hesitate to ask for something to help with his depression. The physical problems of PD can cause the patient to feel discouraged.

Keep posting, it is good to express how you are feeling. You might also find the Connect Caregiver's support group helpful to you. Here is the link to those discussions,
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers/

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post with updates and let me know how you are doing?

Yes I will. Thank you so much

Thank you for sharing .

Hello @bdejong,

I see that your response to @dessertflower was your first post on Mayo Connect's Parkinson's support group. Do you (or a family member) also have a Parkinson's diagnosis?

I look forward to getting to know you. Please share a little more as you are comfortable doing so.

Hello,
I first heard the phrase ‘Parkinson’s’ in February 2021. I was 54 years old. Ever since, the doctors have been working hard to help me.
I see a neurologist, urologist, and cardiologist. My doctor would like a second opinion, so I was referred to Mayo Clinic. Waiting for my first visit.

Hello @bdejong,

I'm glad to hear that you have a referral to Mayo Clinic. Is your appointment within the next few weeks? It will undoubtedly be good to have another opinion on what might be going on.

I see that you've seen a number of specialists. That is a good thing. It looks similar to the specialists that I saw before my PD diagnosis.

When I was diagnosed my most bothersome symptoms were balance, foot dragging and fatigue. However, it can be different for each individual. If you are comfortable sharing more, I'm wondering what are the most difficult symptoms you are experiencing? Also, have any of the standard PD medications, like Sinemet, been tried?

In the beginning I noticed right-sided weakness, right arm and right foot. Also , balance issues. Today, my most bothersome is my voice, soft and slurred speech -as well as rigidity and fatigue.
I’m currently taking carbidopa-levodopa, pramipexole, Azilect.
My appointment is next month.