Hello, You have discovered a wonderful group of eager to help people. We all understand what you are going through. I must say that 59 does not seem so old to me, because I just turned 70. Was diagnosed 3 years ago. Did feel a lot better after I started taking azilect and sinemet. have not progressed at all. Everyone says that progression is different for each person. Just keep hoping for the best.

Hi, I was diagnosed a month ago (53 years old) with the same basic symptoms. Resting tremors in right hand, weak arms & legs, shuffling gait, loss of smell, small handwriting, waking up at night, sleepy in the afternoon, unbalanced, vivid dreams every night etc.. Have been on Sinemet for a month & it really helps with tremors, walking, weakness & pain/cramps. My speech is a lot better now too. I'm new to this and am waiting to see how it progresses & if the Sinement will keep me going for a while.

Welcome to DS. It is a difficult diagnosis to swallow. PD is different to each individual. It progresses at different rates so it is impossible to say how fast or slow it will be. I have had it for about 12 years and only now is it truly affecting my life. I am 48 years old.

Have you been seen in a movement disorders clinic? They are experts in this field. All of the symptoms that you describe is common amongst many of the people who suffer from PD. Sleep has been a problem for me for many years. Even taking meds does not help me to sleep.

Seeing a counselor is a good idea as it allows you to express what is going on in your head and it's good to vent. Mental health is an important factor in keeping the symptoms at bay. A positive attitude makes a world of difference in this illness. Stress is your enemy so try to find outlets and coping strategies to alleviate this culprit.

Again welcome to this site and stay strong. Together we can stand tall.

Thanks for the welcome. It;s really nice to talk with people who know exactly what your going through, and the things that go through your mind at these times.

I am seeing 2 counselors a month, and it does help.
I think my biggest complaint is the not sleeping and feeling very week all the time. Aside from that, I think I'm doing pretty well dealing with all this.

Welcome to our club! We are happy to meet you, but sad for the reason you are here! I don't have much more to add to what the others have said, except to exercise as much as possible. Look online for exercise for Parkinson's. There are tons of videos that show you some good exercise routines and balance exercise. What you do is not as important as just doing it. Find something you like, yoga, Tai chi, walking, biking, dancing - anything! The more you make yourself move, the better you will be. Exercise can help with the weakness and the balance issues.

The disease is trying to keep you from moving, so you have to fight back by making yourself move as much as possible. Keep a positive attitude and a sense of humor.

Oh - and for the record - you aren't old - and there is nothing wrong with slowing down a bit. Most people move around in life way too fast anyways!

Hugs!

oldnslow, hello. Welcome to our international support group. All questions are open for discussion. Regarding driving Where you live is there any city or county run car service availble on request for for seniors and disabled. No one wants to give up driving and the independence that comes along with it,but are your movements slowed down to the point that safety and control are compromised.
Best regards Alex

Alex
I live in a rural area , so public transportation is not an option for me. My driving is still good, but as part of the PTSD I don't like going out in crowds and worry that I'll have a panic attack while driving. So I only drive when I am forced to. Then I'm junk for the rest of the day lol.

I'm looking into getting some help from an independent co that someone local told me about. They will come and pick up up, and thak you shopping or to doctors appointments.

Hi and welkome to the support site. You are in a tough situation . heaving PD and your spouse is also disabled. I can understand why you thinking haw it all ends. I say do not stress to much over what may the future bring. Stress is no good for anyone but spatially for this disease. Think about haw you can help your self to feel better and slow down the progress of PD. First exercise , this is very important. Moving should be first on your list. Walking , yoga, tai chi, stationary bike , anything which makes you go. Yoga and tai chi , also help with balance., bike is proven to slow down the progression of this disease. In fact all exercises will help. Adjust your neds. to maximum comfort and take them on time. Learn to meditate , this will help you distress. Try to find if where you live , is a service like meals on wheels. They deliver 3 hot meals a day that may save you trip to grocery store. If you can afforded try hire someone to take care of the cleaning so you do not have to do it ,
That may take stress of you. The cold hard fact is , at the end you will need around the clock nursing care., Your meds. will not work very well and your body will strait shutting down. I do not want to go in to a details , so not to scare anyone you can reed about the end stage on line, But this is still far away , There is things you can do to help your self. Adjusting meds , DBS, Dopamine pump , exercise. You are young enough to see new meds or treatment , to come.So do not think of the end put your life in order and continue to live the best you can.

Thank you Zlata,
We are checking into meals on wheels through the VNA who comes to help with my wifes care. For now I just take it a day at a time.

Thanks again

Hi & welcome oldnslow, all of what you've experienced so far I have too as many will have, but pd is an individual thing where no two people suffer in exactly the same way and vary very much regarding reactions to treatments & meds etc.... No one can predict how quick the progress will be or how bad it will get, but you can do a hell of a lot to help yourself mentally & physically... but at a comfortable pace that suits you.

Eat well but sensibly, maintain a healthy weight and exercise too, there are some great books out there and some great online help too... plus you've just joined a great supportive, helpfull, kind & caring group of guys right here.

Having a strong positive attitude is a vital ingredient. I know right now you don't feel much like laughing, but have humour in life is important too I think, it's my safety valve... continue with your hobbies & interests wherever possible and don't get despondent. I too was a early onset "Parky" dx aged 34... it's a individual journey we are on but are going at a differing pace....

After all this time, I'm still learning more about how to deal with this illness and how to adjust, and avoid things that are stressful if whenever possible.

Allow yourself time to absorb the fact you have pd.... you will have more questions than answers... take each day as it comes... I wish you well.

Be strong, be safe & take care...

Dirky ?;O))~