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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kiki23 | @kiki23 | 4 days ago
In reply to @cmdw2600 "No, he hasn't, but I wish he would. He speaks very softly and I frequently ask..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

No, he hasn't, but I wish he would. He speaks very softly and I frequently ask him to repeat himself, which is frustrating for both of us.

Thanks for the reminder!

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Hi Cindy
For my speaking, I've been doing a therapy "speakOut". It's around 30 minutes every day. You can find them by YouTube every day. It's been doing a huge difference. And try to find a certified speech therapist. I hope this helps both. Take care.
Kiki Noronha

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lauriesgmk | @lauriesgmk | 4 days ago
In reply to @cmdw2600 "My husband was diagnosed about 9 years ago and I would consider his progression to be..." + (show)
@cmdw2600

My husband was diagnosed about 9 years ago and I would consider his progression to be slow. He is nearly 75 now and in addition to tremor, he does suffer from urinary issues, constipation, general weakness and balance concerns. BUT he is still driving and played golf (poorly) yesterday.

I guess my main advice is to exercise. I finally convinced my husband to try the boxing for Parkinson’s patients in addition to working with a trainer and going to a gym. Many people say that boxing ism”life changing”.

Be regular with medication and do your best to maintain a positive attitude. Don’t look too far down the road. I recently joined a PD support group and have found it helpful, even through it can also be a bit depressing.

Best wishes to both of you.
Cindy

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Thanks, Cindy for the information. This is very helpful. I understand.

Attitude is so important.

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suebullmc | @suebullmc | 3 days ago

My husband has Parkinson’s. We are newly married: October 16, 2022. He was having difficulty getting into his Kia Soul. He is tall, uses a cane, and he had trouble folding into and out of the car. He never owned a car until his 40s: always rode a motorcycle. He found one on Facebook marketplace: a Moto Guzzi that had been made into a trike. The look on his face when he swung his leg over that seat sealed the deal. We traded his car for the “Frankenstein” (my nickname for his ride). He will ride until he can’t and then I will ride him!!

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1 reply
katrii | @katrii | 1 day ago

Hi. Getting up is indeed a challenge! We found, on Amazon a hand-held device where if I stand sideways, feet apart I can be easily balanced and strongly, securely help my husband up. We have one in 2 rooms. We also bought a slide-under the mattress bed rail for getting out of bed. The chair thing would help with the car, also.
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katrii | @katrii | 1 day ago

I have found this device very helpful for chair lifting. I have back issues, so stand with a wide stance and gently pull to assist. Same with car. A short bed rail (under the mattress)—a lifesaver!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | 10 hours ago
In reply to @suebullmc "My husband has Parkinson’s. We are newly married: October 16, 2022. He was having difficulty getting..." + (show)
@suebullmc

My husband has Parkinson’s. We are newly married: October 16, 2022. He was having difficulty getting into his Kia Soul. He is tall, uses a cane, and he had trouble folding into and out of the car. He never owned a car until his 40s: always rode a motorcycle. He found one on Facebook marketplace: a Moto Guzzi that had been made into a trike. The look on his face when he swung his leg over that seat sealed the deal. We traded his car for the “Frankenstein” (my nickname for his ride). He will ride until he can’t and then I will ride him!!

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Hello @suebullmc,

What a delightful picture. I enjoyed your last sentence, "He will ride until he can’t and then I will ride him!!" After reading some of your previous posts, it sounds like you are enjoying life in spite of PD, which is great.

Are his PD symptoms well controlled presently? What are his most bothersome symptoms now?

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suebullmc | @suebullmc | 5 hours ago

Kevin had never had any physical therapy despite 2 strokes, open heart surgery, and bypasses in both legs (PAD and Type 2 diabetes). He began PT in November 2024 and finished in February 2025. He also uses a Revitive machine and frankensense oil for neuropathy in his feet. We have a rescue dog, Beauregard (Beau is what we call him), and he walks him, lets him out, and feeds and cares for him: I never volunteer so he has to get up. Currently, Kevin does not have a neurologist but we are lined up for an appointment in October at UNC's Parkinson's Foundation of Excellence. Kevin takes ropinorole and Nuplazid: he has an occasional jerky movement but the Nuplazid had done away with his hallucinations. His short-term memory sucks but that lets me get away with leftovers (LOL). But I am always honest with him and "remind" him rather than tell him. I am always reading and researching because I want him around and comfortable as long as possible. We have looked into the protolcols promoted by a naturopathic doctor; still researching. Our faith is strong and our church is very supportive: he was the center of attention when he rode in on the trike to help cook Sonrise breakfast at 5 am! He is always looking to get better and he has definitely improved. We are blessed!

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