1. < Parkinson's Disease

My husband has mobility issues

Posted by cmdw2600 @cmdw2600, Feb 21, 2023

My husband (age 72) was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 6 years ago. I feel his progression is slow even though he would say otherwise. He is still driving and playing golf-although poorly. He does go to the gym, but he is weak and feels that he cannot improve in this area. He is of a healthy weight, maybe a bit too thin, and we have a healthy diet. He currently takes Sinemet, and a drug that is not as well known called Gocoveri. This drug seems to control what he referred to as “bobble head”. His hand tremors are pretty well controlled with the Sinemet.

My question is this: does anyone have tips for getting out of bed, getting off the sofa, getting out of the car? I’d like him to get some kind of physical therapy for these situations but am not certain how to proceed. He does not use a walker, cane or Nordic sticks.

Anything that has worked for anyone out there?

Thank you! Cindy

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jojok | @jojok | 3 days ago
In reply to @sillyblone "My spouse was diagnosed with essentials tremors in 2013. It did not really match. He started..." + (show)
@sillyblone

My spouse was diagnosed with essentials tremors in 2013. It did not really match. He started writing smaller and could not write his name , etc. Move up a few years later in 2018 he was officially diagnosed with Parkinson's. So many other issues that followed. So hard on him and my ability to help him get the right care.

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Is your husband a veteran? If so, the VA will give you wonderful support. I’m also caring for my husband who has Parkinson’s, Parkinsonism, maybe Multiple System Atrophy, Dementia, PTSD and possibly Myasthenia Gravis. It is very tiring! Finding a Support group online is invaluable. Even an hour a week helps very much.

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1 reply
sillyblone | @sillyblone | 3 days ago
In reply to @jojok "Is your husband a veteran? If so, the VA will give you wonderful support. I’m also..." + (show)
@jojok

Is your husband a veteran? If so, the VA will give you wonderful support. I’m also caring for my husband who has Parkinson’s, Parkinsonism, maybe Multiple System Atrophy, Dementia, PTSD and possibly Myasthenia Gravis. It is very tiring! Finding a Support group online is invaluable. Even an hour a week helps very much.

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No, my husband worked for the DOD. He retired year's ago. I think he may have the MSA as well. He sees his neurologist next week. I think by the increase in new diagnosises and his seeming so different from 6 months ago. I just finished washing his hair, gave him a shave and trimed his beard. He looks awesome. He was animated and I love to see it. Even if it is over hair. ❤️

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sillyblone | @sillyblone | 3 days ago
In reply to @llynst "My husband is having those same balance/ mobility problems. He started seeing a physical therapist in..." + (show)
@llynst

My husband is having those same balance/ mobility problems. He started seeing a physical therapist in the pool. It seems to really be helping.

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We started with that and they also did a great job finding out what he could do. They taught him how to use a treadmill.It was helpful when we started at the YMCA Parkinsons program. If the pandemic did not interfere possibly he would have been stronger. We started back after. He ended up after a year unable to do the work that he needed. So I moved ahead to walking, chair exercises, etc. Thanks for the text. Hugs

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 3 days ago
In reply to @jms920 "My husband is 76 and was recently diagnosed. The neurologist thought he had Myasthenia Gravis first...." + (show)
@jms920

My husband is 76 and was recently diagnosed. The neurologist thought he had Myasthenia Gravis first. It's definitely challenging.

We just bought a lifting recliner for my husband. It's a godsend.
He still drives and uses the handles inside our SUVto get in and out. So far he's ok getting in and out of bed. On good days he uses a cane, on bad days he uses a rollator and if were going somewhere with a lot of walking he uses a scooter.
Wishing you the best.

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Hello @jms920 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. Your post indicates that your husband's diagnosis has changed. Has he now been diagnosed with Parkinson's?

Has he been given a referral to physical therapy? If not, this would be a good plan for him. How are you doing with this extra task as a caregiver?

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