Hello

[grldnklly]

Hi, I am Geraldine. I have been my father's carer for the last 7 years. Throughout the years my father and I have worked out many tricks to combat the shortcomings caused by Parkinsons, but there are still times when we are at a loss as to what to do. I am just delighted that this forum has been set up. It will be great to be able to not only share some of our tips, but also to be able to get some more.
The hardest part of being a carer is the frustration when you can't find someone who understands Parinsons and all that comes with it.
Thanks Lianna

[Ruth J.]

I am caregiver for my husband and have realized in just a few short minutes this am that I have not really been able to admit to his problems. I am just beginning to come up with little things that will help like a banister along the wall to his bedroom. I was hesitant about this forum but see already that it will be of help as there are no support groups in my area.

[heather]

Hi Ruth and welcome
this is a great forum, and can only get better
I have cared for my husband,for 12 years, but since i joined i have learnt so much about PD, and who better to learn from but the people who are experienced in it ,and i don't mean doctors and nurses etc
because the consultant etc, can't say he has PD [his illness mimics PD ] they wont let us join their group, so we have learnt the hard way
hope you enjoy the site
God bless

[MargieB]

I am caregiver for my husband and have realized in just a few short minutes this am that I have not really been able to admit to his problems. I am just beginning to come up with little things that will help like a banister along the wall to his bedroom. I was hesitant about this forum but see already that it will be of help as there are no support groups in my area.

Hi Ruth J.

Welcome to the Forum Ruth J. Glad you came. You will find many topics of interest for both caregivers and PD patients here. The people are wonderful and the different Forums are so helpful. Have you been at THE COFFEE SHOP yet?

I'm Margie and my husband Tony is the Parkie. We live in Queens, New York. Tony was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago. I, very much like yourself, was not ready or able to admit to myself that Tony had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. I got depressed and couldn't stop crying. Thank God I have a wonderful doctor that I was able to talk with. She gave me some medication to help with the stress of this diagnosis that my husband just received. It was of great help.

Since then, Tony and I have worked out a routine that works for us. Some days are good for Tony and some days not so good. But we are trying to stay positive and keep our sense of humor going. Laughter is a very important and powerful daily ingredient in fighting PD.

Harvard Medical School has actually done a study on laughter as it regards PD patients. They have found, among other positive things, that laughter produces the brain to produce the same chemicals that PD medications give PD patients, with only good side effects.

Plus Tony's Internist told us last month that there is a new medication for PD patients coming out hopefully next year. It is supposed to benefit many PD patients. Let's hope that the FDA approves it and that it will benefit the majority of PD patients, your husband and mine included.

Your idea of a bannister on the wall to his bedroom is excellent. He'll always have it there to depend on when walking to and from the room. Have you thought of having a hand rail installed in the bathroom for the shower and/or bath. We have, and it a great help.

I just found your quote today, that is why my quote to you is late in getting to you.

Hope to talk with you soon again,

Wishing that you and your husband have a good day tomorrow.

Margie:)

[Diane]

I am caregiver for my husband and have realized in just a few short minutes this am that I have not really been able to admit to his problems. I am just beginning to come up with little things that will help like a banister along the wall to his bedroom. I was hesitant about this forum but see already that it will be of help as there are no support groups in my area.

Hi, Ruth. I have just realized that, 9 years after my husband's diagnosis, I am still in denial to some extent. It is almost as if each new symptom is a new diagnosis. I can't believe that THIS (whatever "This" is at the moment) is now a part of our lives. It is really helpful when someone on this caregiver's corner shares an idea about how they deal with some of the problems. I am definitely going to put in a railing in our hallway and bedroom. Did you use wood, mounted on the floor? I have been thinking of those curved metal railings like they have in public restroom handicap stalls, mounted on the wall.

Thanks for the idea. My husband and I have recently been really concerned about him falling in the night. Heather said that Jim used a "frame" (bedside toilet chair?) for about 18 months before he had to have a wheelchair.

I got a thing at the store where they sell medical equipment. It is like a walker, but much smaller (no wheels) and opens up like a step-ladder. He can get it through the bathroom doorway much easier than a full-size walker.

Diane