Rob - I have a patient who is 89 years old, born in Holland.  She is
terrified of the mad cow disease.  I told her about your message, and
she's still doubtful.  However, I deleted your post and lost it
somewhere, and I'd like for her to see it.    Would you please send it to
me again?  Send it to my personal e which is [log in to unmask]  Thanks
much. Jo Ann

On Thu, 8 Jan 2004 12:29:55 -0700 Schaaf Angus / Meadow Creek Ranch
<[log in to unmask]> writes:
> Dear CJ,
> Sounds like your friend needs a lesson in "how bad things can be in
> the
> world outside PD." Having Parkinson's is not the worst thing to
> have. It is
> no fun either. But at least one has a chance to "see" things coming.
> Visit
> friends and rearrange one's life. Not so, with terminal diseases
> such as
> cancer  or  a child who has been desperately waited for to only die
> at 12 or
> sooner from  a rare disease.
> Your friend has lots of things in life to be thankful for if only
> its seeing
> the sunrise for another day.
> Try showing your friend some of the misery outside of her world so
> they can
> see just how "lucky" she is to have PD and to make the most of her
> life
> instead of being depressed and full of self pity.
> If your friend lives alone , see if she can have a pet. A little
> responsibility everyday is really good therapy.
> Getting your friend out to places is great as well as just being
> their for
> her. Try and get her to see herself as just another person with a
> handicap
> not a disabling disease. This little bit of illusion helps one get
> through
> tons of explanations with the ignoramuses of the world.
> Remember, Parky's generally are a step behind in thought reactions
> as well
> as walking. If need be, slow down the pace  of a conversation. Learn
> to take
> a breath so she doesnt feel pressured to reply . This way she may be
> more
> relaxed and less depressed about conversing and just doing things.
> Her mind
> may be whirling to answer you but she just cant get it together to
> answer so
> give her the time to do so if necessary. I wouldnt worry so much
> about
> saying the right thing. Your'e there arent you? Sometimes a smile as
> a
> response is all that is needed. Your friendship is important to her
> too.
> Depression is easy to get into but with understanding of PD and
> getting busy
> and staying busy it is harder to slip into on a regular basis.
> I wish you luck in getting her out of her depression episodes and on
> with
> life. My dog keeps me going out the door at least four times a day
> just for
> him.      Rob
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Cathy James <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 7:48 AM
> Subject: Stalevo/depression
>
>
> > Has anyone tried Stalevo?  My friend's levadopa is not lasting as
> long as
> it did.  Should I encourage her to try Stalevo?
> >
> > On another note, what is the best way to deal with depression in
> addition
> to therapy?  I know you all must experience this.  What have friends
> done
> for you or said to you that helped the most?  I'm at a loss for new
> things
> to try.  I take her out walking and to movies and dinner, etc. I
> never seem
> to say the right thing.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > CJ
> >
> >
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