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Lynn, Although you are finding some of the Parkinson's symptoms in yourself, I would suggest on your visit to the doctor you discuss the possibility of depression. Your symptoms fit with this in that you are tired, have problems concentrating, fatigue, poor sleep followed by many symptoms that may look like PD. These are all listed in two diseases: (1) depression: it is not unusual for the "well" spouse to suffer depression. This may be true depression or part of the second possible disease (2) a form of "burn-out". This comes on by too much worrying about the future, worrying what your husband is going through, and all the other possible worrying. This creates stress on you and the circle gets smaller and smaller as stress reduces sleep which is stressful which reduces sleep. the important thing to remember is, you are no good to your husband dead. It is imparitive that you take care of YOUR HEALTH FIRST. See your doctor and show him/her what you wrote. What ever he says follow it, unless he/she says "don't worry." Then find yourself a new doctor. A long time ago, I was given the following information for care partners: DANGER SIGNS 1. You feel you're handling everything by yourself, yet what you're doing just isn't enough. 2. You don't seem to have any time or place to be alone. 3. You feel uncomfortable about going away, even for a few hours or a day. 4. There isn't anyone around to help, or so it seems. 5. Your family's getting impatient. They don't understand how hard this is. 6. Missing work or much of the time at work is spent worrying. 7. You think it would be selfish to think for yourself. 8. Feeling sad, lonely or anxious. 9. You're tired most of the time and dread getting up in the morning. 10. Getting angry at the person you're taking care of. 11. Feeling stretched economically, emotionally or physically. HELPFUL HINTS 1. Accept your feelings. All caregivers feel frustrated, guilty, overworked and alone. It's ok. 2. If you find yourself being negatively affected by responsibility, have the courage to change your care strategy. Spot early warning signs of trouble such as persistent irritability, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and temper flareups. 3. Participate in support groups that will give you time away from responsibilities as well as an opportunity to share with others in similar situations. 4. Recognize available options and be willing to exercise them. 5. Trust others with jobs and responsibilities, not only you can "do it right". 6. Prioritize tasks. Don't feel like everything must be done today. 7. Take Breaks. Give yourself a daily change of scene. Probably the big sign on the frig should be " No one cares for the caregiver but the caregiver." It is a sorry state for those of us with PD, but it needs to be put someplace where not only the caregiver sees it. The patient must see it also and understand what it means. Regards, Alan Bonander ([log in to unmask])