Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Parkinson's Disease Support Group

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deleted_user
deleted_user
Hello to everyone here. I am new to this whole process but I am feeling like I have run out of support options so I am giving this a try. I am 23 years old and my father was diagnosed about 11 years ago with PD. He did well with treatment until about 4 years ago when he started to dramatically deteriorate. His ability to walk is fading quickly and he has a hard time communicating even simple thoughts or questions. To tell you the truth I feel as though his is coming towards the end of his life very quickly, and it makes me so angry inside. I feel to young to be loosing my dad so fast. I never thought at 23 I wouldn't even be able to have a conversation sith my own father, who was a doctor of Music for twenty five years. This disease is horrible, I just feel like I finally cant handle it anymore. Out of six children me being the second youngest I am one of the only helping hands for my Dad. I am frustrated with my family, with this disease and with my self for being so emotionally drained that I actually get frustrated at him. How do familys deal with this? I know there is no miracle cure but what can I do?
Sorry for my rant I have just never been able to say how I feel.
Thank you
deleted_user
deleted_user
Bless you Sammy84 and you are right, you are too young to be losing your dad. Unfortunately PD doesn't know anything about being fair. My daughter started her neurological deterioration at 8 years old, she is now 22 and can hardly speak, she's been in a wheelchair since she was 13 and we need to feed and bath her. My advice to you, as hard as it might be is to learn who your dad is now and enjoy and help him through this difficult journey. Although tough, you will learn a lot and be a better person. Also get involved on this site, it is a wealth of knowledge. And remember to take care of yourself as a caregiver.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I second what Nonibaby said, Sammy84. You're too young to be dealing with taking care of a parent like this; it must be terribly frustrating and frightening for you. Bear in mind, though, that just because he can't communicate well doesn't mean he doesn't understand and feel just like he used to, and he probably appreciates your talking to him, even though the conversation is a little one-sided. What kind of treatments is your Dad receiving? What about your Mom; is she around?

Do remember to take care of yourself, too, and I hope we hear more from you!
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