Any of you or your significant other have this? How, if at all, does it impact what you do? My wife was diagnosed last fall. So far nothing to do for it yet. Started with a tremor in her right hand. We think she's developing one in her left. Whatever you can tell us will be appreciated. Thanks
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My mother has been suffering from Parkinson's for a number of years. My best advice is make the most of every moment now as it will only become more difficult to do so with the passage of time. Lots of progress has been made in treatment and your Doctor can keep you apprised of the latest drugs and therapies. We try and support my elderly father as much as we can as being the primary caregiver can be very challenging. Mom is now in the dementia ward of a nursing home where she receives excellent care but she had many fine years before going in thanks to an early diagnosis and the families support. Good luck.
I have essential tremors, which is similar but doesn't get worse, so they say.
Weighted eating utensals help a lot. I eat many things with a spoon. Peas on a fork just doesn't make it. In resturants always get a soup spoon, much easier to eat with.
A mug with a handle her hand can go inside of is a great help, ESPECIALLY if the outside surface isn't smooth.
If it needs buttering, offer to do it for her. Buttering toast is nearly impossible for me.
Let her know that dropping things once and awhile is ok.
But mostly, don't let it stop you. Adjust and go and have fun.
Chuck
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I also have an essential tremor. You are right, eating peas is a challenge and don't ask me to tie a dry fly. The doctor told me while the symptoms are similar it is not likely to develop into full blown Parkinson's.
I take 10 mg of Propanolol in the morning to help control the shaking, without that I can't pick up a coffee without spilling or write legibly.Some people need more but it's like putting a governor on my engine.
My husband has had Lewy Body Disease (Parkinson's with dementia) first diagnosed in 2005 but had it a couple of years before, I'm sure. He has never had a resting tremor typical of PD but the muscle stiffness and other PD symptoms have been helped by increasing doses of Sinemet. He takes other medications for the dementia. Sadly, I had to place him in a nursing home a year and half ago.
He is unable to walk now and seldom able to feed himself. He can speak, though faintly, and is totally delusional. He does not always know who I am but I visit him every day and help with his care. I miss him terribly. I pray you never develop this terrible disease. PD is bad enough on its own. As others have said, enjoy what time you have as long as you are able. God bless you!!
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My wife was diagnosed in 2001 and saw a general neurologist. After that, we found movement disorder specialist at USC and presently at UCLA. A research neurologist who is also a movement disorder specialist is essential, in my opinion. I share the same situation as mockturtle but so far, I am able to manage care at home. Primary advice? Do it now, whatever you want to do. As many as 30% of People With Parkinsons will develop Parkinsonian Dementia and treatment medicine will frequently have hallucinations as side effects. Acadia Pharma has a stage three trial for an anti psychotic which has shown real promise. Again, just travel now as much as you can.
I am 52 and have the tremors and stage 1 of MCI I take meds for both cant remember what they are but they do help. I just tell everyone I am the only person they know who can thread a sewing machine needle with it running.
The problem about peas reminded me of the old poem.
I eat my peas with honey
I've done so all my life
It makes the peas taste funny
But it keeps them on my knife.
You have been using the wrong tool.
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