hi Nanab1,

I think that what your husband is going through is partially just a reaction to the diagnosis. It takes a while to adjust to the idea, and it's only been two months, after all. I know that for this first year since my diagnosis, I'm only slowly learning that not every twinge, ache or pain can be blamed on PD. This kind of thing calms down after a bit; well, it did with me anyway.

One thing my husband did for me that made me understand that he and I are in this together is he joined my support group. He also is learning about PD, and asking me questions, since he knows I've been researching it. The fact that you're here asking questions and learning means you're on board and being supportive; hopefully your husband knows that. Give it time; I'm sure he'll figure out that you are there for him, and that this disease affects you, too. That just may not have occurred to him yet. Have you tried directing him to this site or one of the other Parkinson's support sites? He might find it helpful.

nanab1 hugg him often and regulary tell him you love him.

Do your home work Ask alot of question.

I understand your husband I have the same issues and more and I got it about the same age.I would not call it obstinate , more so trying to perhaps hang on to the self that he knows.
Overreacting na,,, I think I spent the 1st year beeing pissed off. Not very nice , but I have a great life then this happened

Hi, this is Heavy D and I hope I can shed a little glimmer of hope here. I readily identify with the feelings of hopelessness, fear, and utter panic at the prospect of becoming not only disabled due to PD, but dragging my wife and family down with me.

That being said, let me also share that all is not lost, but you have to act quickly and decisively to get ahead of the disease and not fall prey to its destructive power. Due to a couple of chance conversations I had early on in my diagnosis, I decided to launch a 3-pronged counterattack which, at least for me, has worked and worked well. Whereas in April, I was a 25 on the 0 to 60 point PD scale (mid-Stage 2), I am now evaluated by my neuros as a 3 (early Stage 1). Except for my micrographia and somewhat faint voice when I am overtired, I am practically symptom-free. Seriously. No one would have the slightest idea I have PD. Back in April, I could barely walk without assistance (partly due to complications from 2 bulging disks and sciatica which compounded the effects of my PD).

Don't believe everything you read about PD. It is managable but it takes commitment. If you want to know what I am doing to be victorious in this battle, let me know. I don't promise miracles, but I sure can tell you what has worked beautifully for me.

Oh, incidentally, I see one of the foremost neuros in the field of PD, and, in retrospect, even he has not offered me even the most basic guidance. Besides confirming my diagnosis, giving me two prescriptions, and saying "Good luck", he hasn't done much for me. No doctors will. They are disinclined to do much of anything, so don't be surprised if they seem a little useless. All they do is treat symptoms. I have devised and carried out my own program and I am the only PD patient I know personally who is getting steadily better rather than worse.

Just write me and I will explain.

Heavy D

Heavy,

Your post is very intriguing but you have to know that many of us will be a bit skeptical. Can't blame us for that. But if it's truly something that offers hope then I'm all ears.

To save all (especially yourself) much typing and time can you at least give us a bit more info now via the forum?

Is this a plan that involves diet, exercise, mind control, spirituality or even a mix of any or all the above?

Is there anything we must buy, ie. a book or other program of some nature?

TIA. I look forward to your reply.

heavy,
i appreciate the reply but is this a sales pitch for something, cause it sure sounds like one. i don't understand why you just didn't explain it from the start. this is a support site, not string along. sorry if this sounds ruff, but as i said i am looking for advice.

thanks to all who wrote with words of comfort and understanding, i guess i need to put myself in his shoes and allow time to heal, i hope i can be an inspiration to him and i am praying for all who answered to be blessed as i know what we are going through...take care and live the best day you can today.

To all,

Well, I got called down because it sounded like I was selling something. For that I sincerely apologize. I just didn't want to lay out a program that took 200 words, but I guess I did that anyway.

No, I am not selling anything. I am not hawking any gimmicks. All I wanted to do is share what has worked for me. OK, here goes.

I believe we are triune beings, that our makeup is spiritual, mental, and physical. Most of you will at least partially accept that premise. So, this disease that we all have is affecting us in all three ways, or at least that has been my experience. When I was first diagnosed in April, I was so distraught, so depressed, and so hopeless that I would go to work, sit in my office and weep. Not for myself so much as for my wife of 35 years and my family who depend so much on my being able to work, to be a father, and to be a husband. All these things seemed to be vanishing as the symptoms multiplied and multiplied.

So, I decided to search my Christian roots and study God's Word which I had so cavalierly handled in the past. I found a promise in James 5:14-16 that gave me hope. I did what it said, called the elders of the church to pray over me and anoint me with oil. Believe me, that is not normal behavior for me. But, the symptoms began to fade. I was really amazed.

Second, I was so afraid of mental diminution that I doubled my involvement with activities (painting, writing, astronomy, you name it) that stimulated my brain and kept it on edge. There is ample evidence that mental activities help even Alzheimers patients, so this made sense to me.

Finally, at the suggestion of a fellow PD sufferer, I joined a gym. Being a nut case, I threw myself into weight training that rivaled what I used to do 42 years ago as a teenager. I went all out with a personal trainer, then went solo. I work out 90 minutes a day 4 days a week. I don't pussy foot around. I leg press 300 pounds 15 times in 3 sets. It took me 6 months to get there, but that's where I differ from others. I also work full time and drive 100 miles round trip daily so it isn't like I have a lot of time on my hands. As a result, I am as strong as an ox, and nearly all my symtoms (of which I had about 25), have disappeared.

Yes, I take meds and they help a bit with symptoms, but the 3-fold program I have undertaken has provided most of the blessed relief from the misery I once experienced.

OK, so it may not last, but my quality of life is superb now. My wife even joked it was like sleeping with a new man. I think she meant that in a literal sense (ZZZZ's). I am no world class lover. But the exercise has even improved the intimate side of our relationship which is an added benefit.

OK, folks, there you have it. The price is right. It is free. So, maybe it will work for you.

Hugs, Heavy D