Parkinson's......

[SteellFJ]

Well last night my old man told me he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

I am devastated for him as this will in the end hinder his work as a Mechanical engineer and his passion for driving around europe, these may be a long way off but all the same.

Does anyone have experience of this in themselves or relatives that could shed some light on what to expect over the coming years? He will be 50 next month.

I kind of knew it was coming as I was the one on his case to get to the doctors after months of his left arm and leg shaking uncontrollably. he's very old school and would not have went otherwise, even managed to rope in his best pal to help me out.

[Rotary Madness]

I look after people with Parkinsons. There is a lot of help out there, and there is a lot he can do to slow it down including a decent amount of drugs. Unfortunately he will eventually build up a tolerance to the drugs, and after not getting any worse, or even improving, he will start to decline again. It'll take years to happen mind you, but eventually it will and at the moment once that happens there's not much else that can be done, as there's only the one group of drugs it seems.

[budgie smuggler]

My Grandad was diagnosed about 3 years ago after having a shaky hand for approx 2 years, gradually getting worse. It was initially misdiagnosed as some kind of nerve issue.

Anyway, since getting proper diagnosis and getting on the drugs, it doesn't seem to have gotten much if at all worse. The main symptoms aside from what you already know appear to be 'shuffling' feet. He trips up a lot, and keeps hitting his face and hands on the ground. Not sure if this is a side effect of the drugs or a symptom of the disease. It doesn't seem to have stopped him enjoying life at all.

I've seen videos of amazing results from some kind of electrode therapy. Whether that's available to the general public at this stage I don't know.

Edited by budgie smuggler on Wednesday 5th February 13:59

[SteellFJ]

Thanks RM,

can I ask the kind of care you provide?

[SteellFJ]

budgie smuggler said:

some kind of electrode therapy.

I will look at this for future reference, was also told today Cannabis can reduce the tremors.

[budgie smuggler]

SteellFJ said:

budgie smuggler said:

some kind of electrode therapy.

I will look at this for future reference, was also told today Cannabis can reduce the tremors.

Here's what it does:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBh2LxTW0s0

It's called deep brain stimulation, please don't get your hopes up too much as like I said, I don't know if it's available yet. Looks absolutely amazing though.

[Rotary Madness]

SteellFJ said:

Thanks RM,

can I ask the kind of care you provide?

Domiciliary Care, mainly older people with a variety of issues or just because they're old Also do some end of life care and mental health, but its always in their own homes. I'm no expert in it, but for now with the medication and support he should be fine if not improve, but it wont last unfortunately.

[anonymous-user]

My best friend was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago, he had an experimental operation done by a German surgeon in Sunway Hospital Kuala Lumpur, they implanted half a dozen sensors in his head and a battery in his chest, he goes in every year and they tune the sensors remotely, (no surgery), He sold his bike when he was diagnosed but 6 months ago at the age of 72 he bought himself another.
I don’t think this operation is approved in the UK but it is amazing, never heard of any one else have the treatment 10 years on and he lives on his own looks after himself, you can see him deteriorate and then he goes on for the tune up and comes back great, I was with him the other night had a few bears and then he left got a taxi on his own and went home, absolutely amazing.

[SteellFJ]

Berw said:

My best friend was diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago, he had an experimental operation done by a German surgeon in Sunway Hospital Kuala Lumpur, they implanted half a dozen sensors in his head and a battery in his chest, he goes in every year and they tune the sensors remotely, (no surgery), He sold his bike when he was diagnosed but 6 months ago at the age of 72 he bought himself another.
I don’t think this operation is approved in the UK but it is amazing, never heard of any one else have the treatment 10 years on and he lives on his own looks after himself, you can see him deteriorate and then he goes on for the tune up and comes back great, I was with him the other night had a few bears and then he left got a taxi on his own and went home, absolutely amazing.

Thanks Guys,

I know it will be a long fight but I will have to ensure he keeps on top of the medication and eats properly, cutting out his 5 times a week with Chinese meals.

He is generally rather fit so hopefully will not deteriorate to quick.