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I've never done a serious post on PH!
My old man has just been told he has the early signs of Parkinson's. He's had a shaky hand for about a year, which at first the docs weren't overly worried about, but he had a follow up appointment on Monday and the doc said it is now Parkinson's....he's only 66.
It's a big shock and to tell the truth I still don't understand what it means. I'm too worried to look it up on-line. All I know is that the docs don't really know how bad it'll get or when. He starts taking tablets in about 3 weeks.
My Dads had a tough last 6 months. He had a hip replacement just before xmas, which went well but caused a blood clot in his leg about 4 weeks into his recovery. This has hampered getting back to full fitness and now the Parkinson's is causing back and neck pains, further preventing him walking right. He only gave up work just before the hip op so not the best news to start a hopefully long and happy retirement...especially for a someone who enjoys to play golf!
It's so horrible seeing my old man becoming frail. I'll always remember him as a proud 6'4" rugby playing Welshman, who's always had a short temper but will do anything for my Mum, Brother and I.
I guess we'll all learn more about the disease in the coming months but I can't tell you how much I hope it stays manageable for many many years.
My old man has just been told he has the early signs of Parkinson's. He's had a shaky hand for about a year, which at first the docs weren't overly worried about, but he had a follow up appointment on Monday and the doc said it is now Parkinson's....he's only 66.
It's a big shock and to tell the truth I still don't understand what it means. I'm too worried to look it up on-line. All I know is that the docs don't really know how bad it'll get or when. He starts taking tablets in about 3 weeks.
My Dads had a tough last 6 months. He had a hip replacement just before xmas, which went well but caused a blood clot in his leg about 4 weeks into his recovery. This has hampered getting back to full fitness and now the Parkinson's is causing back and neck pains, further preventing him walking right. He only gave up work just before the hip op so not the best news to start a hopefully long and happy retirement...especially for a someone who enjoys to play golf!
It's so horrible seeing my old man becoming frail. I'll always remember him as a proud 6'4" rugby playing Welshman, who's always had a short temper but will do anything for my Mum, Brother and I.
I guess we'll all learn more about the disease in the coming months but I can't tell you how much I hope it stays manageable for many many years.
Lost my auld fella to it.
What I would say is encourage your Dad to keep as active as possible, especially mentally. Crosswords, Sudokus, all that stuff.
My Dad in effect 'gave up' and he went downhill very quickly, whereas my Grandfather fought it every step of the way and had a long retirement coping with it.
What I would say is encourage your Dad to keep as active as possible, especially mentally. Crosswords, Sudokus, all that stuff.
My Dad in effect 'gave up' and he went downhill very quickly, whereas my Grandfather fought it every step of the way and had a long retirement coping with it.
Edited by DocJock on Wednesday 27th April 18:47
A very good friend of mine was diagnosed with Parkinsons three or four years ago; was super super fit beforehand, former Royal Marine, fought in the Falklands, and could do a 50 mile time trial (cycling) in 1hr 50. His condition has steadily got worse over the years and has been forced to retire from his job as a prison governor. However, his fitness levels are still way beyond 99% of the population. Cycles over 400km a week still, but does shake quite badly and has his off days of course. He's coming with a group of us to cycle the length of the Pyrenees in September - he's a total inspiration.
My mum is about the same age as your father, and has just started treatment for Parkinson's. The drugs seem to be working, her symptoms are easing. The prognosis is not too bad - the drugs tend to become less effective over time, but should give her ten years or so of relief. The disability that Parkinson's causes seems less awful in the late seventies than the late sixties, and there is the possibility of new therapies arriving over that term. It's not a death sentence.
otolith said:
My mum is about the same age as your father, and has just started treatment for Parkinson's. The drugs seem to be working, her symptoms are easing. The prognosis is not too bad - the drugs tend to become less effective over time, but should give her ten years or so of relief. The disability that Parkinson's causes seems less awful in the late seventies than the late sixties, and there is the possibility of new therapies arriving over that term. It's not a death sentence.
Good to hear your Mum is doing ok mate. We're certainly trying to stay positive and Dad seems pretty upbeat considering. I just want him to totally recover from his hip op and get back to playing golf.Cheers guys.
I have limited exposure to Parkinson's but I do see a little of it from my partners grandfather. He all but refused to accept the diagnosis to begin with and it manifested itself on him to the point where it almost looked like he was recovering from a stroke.
Having eventually accepted the diagnosis through family pressure, he is now taking medication and the change is remarkable. Within a few weeks, looked like he was ageing backwards.
My advice, OP, follow the guidance from his doctor and any support groups online. As many other posters in this thread have talked about; it doesn't have to be a death sentence. Keeping the body and mind as healthy as possible gives the best chance of a enjoyable retirement for him.
Having eventually accepted the diagnosis through family pressure, he is now taking medication and the change is remarkable. Within a few weeks, looked like he was ageing backwards.
My advice, OP, follow the guidance from his doctor and any support groups online. As many other posters in this thread have talked about; it doesn't have to be a death sentence. Keeping the body and mind as healthy as possible gives the best chance of a enjoyable retirement for him.
My old man was diagnosed with it at 49, three years ago this month, he has done nothing about it and even gave up his job in June last year.
Despite all the nagging and moaning from myself, brothers and his friends he is not in any way shape or form at the moment seeking more help from the doctors. Be thankful your old man is taking the medications and seeking help.
Despite all the nagging and moaning from myself, brothers and his friends he is not in any way shape or form at the moment seeking more help from the doctors. Be thankful your old man is taking the medications and seeking help.
My mum has it diagnosed around 3 yrs ago. She's 65 now.
Looking back it had been going on for some time just thought it was nerves.
She's ok on medication good and bad days.
Has got a little worse but she plods on joined a couple of clubs since retiring. Really helped.
Keep active is the key
Looking back it had been going on for some time just thought it was nerves.
She's ok on medication good and bad days.
Has got a little worse but she plods on joined a couple of clubs since retiring. Really helped.
Keep active is the key
It's s
t getting older isn't it. Growing up you knew no matter how badly you f**ked up, your Dad would be able to help.
Nothing of value to add to this thread to be honest these sorts of things always get me thinking.
OP, I hope your Dad continues to live a long active life free from any major symptoms
t getting older isn't it. Growing up you knew no matter how badly you f**ked up, your Dad would be able to help.Nothing of value to add to this thread to be honest these sorts of things always get me thinking.
OP, I hope your Dad continues to live a long active life free from any major symptoms
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