My husband is in denial
My husband has had depression and anxiety for years. He was referred to a neurological psychologist for testing. He agreed with my feeling he was in the beginnings of Parkinson's. Referred to a neurologist for further diagnosis. Had to wait 5 months to get an appointment. Things worsened in that time, but he did not see it. His gait was shortening, sometimes shuffled, unable to walk far, like 10 ft, without being unsteady, falling 3x, he was dizzy on standing, his arms rarely swing, handwriting getting cramped, hands shaking when carrying a dish of food,legs shaking constantly when sitting if not flat on the ground (I have a question on why he shakes feet/legs whole time but it stops when he sleeps- is that common?- is that common?). He has a mask look, has memory issues., complex tasks are difficult.
When he went to the neurologist he had to meet a "gate keeper" doc 1st who decided if he needed to see the main doc. My husband did not let me to go in with him, I believe knowing I would share all this. He was asked questions (he lied, claiming no issues with shaking and denied any family history- his mother died from it). I read the report and there was so much not true, but I had no permission to talk to doc about it. He said he saw no evidence of any need to see the neurologist, which validated my husband's denial.
So here we are, a year later and the shaking is worse, other signs worse and he talks about being anxious and feeling "lost", he sleeps almost all day, moves very little , afraid of unsteadiness, blaming his knee that he had surgery on. His gait is worse but cause afraid of falling. I truly feel he has Parkinsons or a similar tremor type condition.I know if I suggest we try to go back cause doc said return if symptoms worsen that he will get mad and deny he needs to. I am at a loss of what to do. He barely gets off the couch, resists any exercise, won't drink much water, skips meals as appetite is low, pretty sure i will need to intervene with him driving as his reactions are not great.
The longer he goes without some med and PT help the chance of slowing things down is becoming remote. How do I approach him ? He has a wellness visit coming up with regular doc (who is only a PA and I am not impressed by him) has anyone ever tried contacting a doc on their family member's behalf without their knowledge? Is there some rule against that? Cause I know he will deny anything is wrong, he barely talks to doc, and he won't let me go in with him. I am in despair as to how to help him.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Hello @grandmaraines
As it has been a while since you first posted, I was wondering if your husband has been willing to seek treatment for his symptoms? How are you doing?