I think I can answer one question: Please, do not push your father into
doing something he does not want to do. Stress REALLY aggravates the PD
symptoms. Five months ago I moved from New Mexico to Florida and having
been living with my parents since then. (My mother has PD.) I have gained
so much knowledge not only from this list and the internet links but living
with a PWP and caregiver. Be patient with your father. In time your
support will give him strength and hope.
Teresa
-----Original Message-----
From: Parkinson's Information Exchange
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Marilyn Gang
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 3:30 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: My intro to list: Daughter: Toronto, Dad: Florida
Hello list members ---
I've been watching the amount of information on this list since
I signed on 3 weeks ago --- I have difficulty keeping up with
the quantity and quality of the posts. And, Barbara, I thank you for
your warm welcome to me and especially your efforts in managing this list.
My dad, Abe, is the PWP. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida, and
I am in Toronto. Dad, 80 was diagnosed about 2 years ago and has
been taking Sinemet for about a year and a half.
I have a ton of comments and questions but had best take things slowly.
I am checking out web sites and have spoken with the folks at the
Parkinson's Foundation in Miami. I visited with Sandie Jones, the
nurse at the Parkinson Foundation of Canada. Sandie is indeed a
treasure. She helped me really understand how destructive even a little
stress can be to a PWP. In educating myself as to the symptomatology
I am becoming more understanding. I become angry at the changes taking
place in Dad and try not to let it out to him. It's not anger at
him I know, its the process. Education is helping to dispell this anger,
leading to understanding, compassion, more love and greater acceptance.
Dad lives alone, is a widower since Mom died from Cancer 12 years ago.
He and I approach things differently. He is reticent almost to the
point of non communication about how he feels, physically and definitely
emotionally. I ask him about things to help him --- and I definitely
can help if I know what's going on --- and he does not always tell the
truth. For example, he says he is exercising and I know he is not.
As Caregivers, there is the choice: Do you push them or Do you leave them
alone and just try to help them be happy in what they want to do? There
is no right answer, I think, it's achieving a balance, just
as it is with parenting.
I am concerned about:
- Greatly decreased energy
- Falls asleep much more often --- he gets enough sleep at night
but falls asleep too often during the day
- Greatly decreased physical strength
- His upper arms have almost caved in
My first questions to this list are:
- He is seeing a neurologist in Boca, and although this might be
an excellent neurologist, I don't know how experienced he is with PD.
I am considering flying down to take him to the center in Fort
Lauderdale or West Palm. Any comments? Any recommendations?
Dad could get there by himself but I want to find out what they say.
Any good MDs in the Boca area?
- I found great exercise programs here in Toronto. Does anyone know
any programs in the Boca Raton area?
- I am investigating the Lee Silverman Voice System for PWPs as Dad's voice
has become hoarse. Any comments? Experiences?
Thanks for being there and See you online!
- Marilyn -
Marilyn Gang [log in to unmask] Toronto, Ontario, Canada
