My lovely dad has Parkinson's.

[shishnfips]

My dad has just been given the diagnosis. Tbh he's had some symptoms for years: the hoarse voice, throat clearing, an on/off tremor, drooping posture. He's 74 and the glue of our family. He's under a consultant neurologist who said no medication for now as he's "early stages". Last night he made the (wrong?) decision to watch a documentary about it and it's scared him. It made him cry which in itself is awful to watch. I know it's degenerative, I know he's "lucky to get it older", but I'm struggling to come to terms with it. I don't know what I'm looking for in writing this out tbh but I suppose I need an outlet.

Does anyone have any advice to help before medication?

My Dad too. Try to encourage him to stay as active as possible for as long as possible. Dancing or Pilates are very good. Or anything else he enjoys. He needs to keep his muscles in as good shape as possible.

Also fight his corner with the medical professionals. Make sure somebody always goes with him to medical appointments, not because he can't cope alone but because family members will be able to give a fuller picture of the situation than he can. It is complicated and the medical people need to gather as much info as possible.

Get him to join the local branch of the Parkinson's Society for support, information and fun.

Encourage him to enjoy life as much as possible now. You have no way of knowing how slowly or quickly the disease will progress but progress it will.

Sorry OP. I feel your pain.

On the less positive front, OP, look out for signs of dementia. If is very common with Parkinson's patients.

One more thing.... make sure your dad sets up a proper legal lasting power of attorney- preferably for healthy and definitely for financial decisions. He should do this soon.

Thanks @avocadochocolate the support group idea is fantastic thank you. I've found an exercise class for him through the charity. He's not really good at social things but I'm going to push him to go!

Find a physio who is knowledgeable with pd. exercise is so Important. His consultant should know of one.

Google PD warrior.

Hello OP, my mum has PD too ☹️ She was diagnosed last year and is also not on medication, as her consultant said it's 'mild'.

How is your Dad? My mum has a definite tremor but mentally seems quite well. Physically, she has slowed down over the past few years.

I've just watched the programme your Dad watched on iPlayer and it was a hard watch...

I agree with all avocado suggested - my Mum STILL hasn't sorted PoA 🤨