My dad and parkinsons disease.

[Blackandgoldx]

I'm sorry I'm posting here purely for traffic and because I don't really have anyone I can ask about this in real life.

My dad has been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease earlier this year. He's 60. I only see my dad once every few months and he's notoriously rubbish at keeping in touch via phone/text, he often just turns up unannounced. He lives on his own.

I finally got hold of him today on the phone (hadn't spoke to him for 2 months, haven't seen him for around 3 months) and noticed right away that he sounded quite out of it and his speech was more slurred than usual.
He was telling me a bit about how he's been and what treatment he's having. He says he's on a medication that he couldn't remember the name of and also currently going to the hospital once a week for an injection which is followed by a scan an hour or so later. This treatment is expected to last for weeks. He mentioned radiation but didn't expand on that and didn't acknowledge when I asked what he meant by radiation, I thought maybe he got mixed up but I'm not sure. He has form for not telling the whole truth and he's never been one to share things about his health, it took months for him to tell me about the parkinsons diagnosis. Does this sound like a parkinsons treatment or is there something else going on? Does anyone know what kind of treatment it might be if it is for parknsons, like what is it for?

I admittedly don't know enough to know what kind of treatment is provided but I was under the impression there wasn't much that could be offered beyond some pills for controlling tremors, some physical therapy etc. He said his house is being adapted to help him get up stairs etc, someone is coming in to cook for him, someone to give him his medication etc. It sounds like he's a lot worse than when I seen him a few months ago. I'm just worried he's not giving me the full picture here. He's always reluctant to let me help out and thinks I'm too busy with the kids and work and things, but I'd make time to help him if he'd let me and I don't want him sat up there on his own all the time in worse health than he's letting on.

Very sorry to hear what you’re going through.

At the bottom of this link is a phone number and email address…it may very well be worth contacting them for the information you’re after.

I have a very close relationship with someone who has Lewy Body which is a different variation to alzheimers/Parkinsons and the like.

Every person is different and the symptoms and deterioration vary over time too. Please contact the organisation, they’ll be able to chat through the issues you need advice and guidance xxx

www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/caring-someone-parkinsons

My MIL had Parkinson's for 20 years. When she died, we had a 5 year old. As hard as it is, you really can't support his care needs when you have kids of your own. We had to leave 3 / 4 year old DS at a table in the pub with a game on the tablet when we ate out with DMIL, because it needed 2 adults to get her to the loo, for example, or the time when she fell in the bathroom and my SIL cleared up because DH would have had to take the 4 year old and there was blood smeared down the bathroom wall. The tremors do get worse and can be disturbing to see, even if you're used to them. It's a hideous disease to watch someone with, as a close family member.

We found that Parkinson's care is patchy depending on where you are in the country (London had Parkinson's nurses, where DH's aunt lived, MIL had nothing in Cheshire). MIL never had radiation treatment but she died 7 years ago so things may have moved on. You may be best going to speak with him and advocating for him e.g. with social services, to get the best care and support he can. Does he want to attend Parkinson's groups, for example? DMIL refused as she didn't want to be defined by her illness but she also lost a source of support as a result, I think. Don't tell social services that you'll help with care, as they will just land you with it if they can. Just be there as his daughter - he'll still like to eat out, watch films, walk in parks etc. like he did before. Focus on doing that for him.

I guess the answer would be to go visit him more? You don't have to help as such but perhaps just be around a bit more so you can keep an eye? Or does he live far away?

Hi how are things with your Dad has it been confirmed that he has parkinsons I believe one of the symptoms is internal tremors has your Dad experienced that.

Does this sound like a parkinsons treatment or is there something else going on?

To be honest, it doesn't sound like any treatment anyone I've known with Parkinson's has had. I would go for a visit and make further enquiries as to his actual situation.