 |
 |
My father has PD - quite advanced now after about 10 years from first diagnosis. (He is now in his 70's and in residential care). Here are some thoughts, based on my family's experiences: First, don't lose heart! There is tremendous variability in PD, and individuals do experience quite different progressions. There is a lot of help available (if you are persistent in seeking it). It may not be as bad as you somtimes fear. Second, be realistic. PD is a progressive condition which generally gets worse over time. In the early phases the impact on the quality of life can be quite controllable; in the later phases, where my father is now, the impact can be severe. If I had the opportunity to do it over again, I would have spent a lot more effort on helping my father confront the fact that, in his particular case, he was undergoing rapid deterioration, and his options were rapidly narrowing. He definitely did not want to think about this, and we took the easy way out by going along with him. Third, look after yourself. In my family's case, my mother almost became co-dependent, and lied to herself constantly about my father's worsening condition. This increased the stress on her enormously, and unintentionally delayed my father getting proper treatment; irrational behaviors on his part were brushed off as PD symptoms, instead of drawing prompt medical attention. Keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy is essential if you are to be able to help your husband. Keep your spirits up!