Lizzy4451

Lizzy,

Thank you so much for your response.  I am defintely leaning toward depression.  I think I am going to look for another doctor.  I know that her eyes are not just tearing.........she sobs and tells me she has no idea why she is crying.  There is nothing situational going on that would cause her depression.  Except for the fact that she depressed because she cannot do a lot of the things she use to do.  The main one being driving.  She gets confused and does not use her left arm at all........we all agree it is not safe for her.  Her symptoms progressed pretty rapidly.  In the spring she was pretty good, now it is fall and she is not so good.  She is coming to terms with the fact that she has PD.  She was diagnost just a few months ago and I think she was expecting the meds to take it all away.  But as you know it doesn't.  She is not being positive or trying to live her life the best that she can..........she seems very negative.  I am trying to be sensitive, I don't do anything to help her unless she asks, I want her to be independent and strong.  I want to scream at her that this is not a life sentence!  Having a positive attitude will help her live a happy productive life.  But then I don't know if I have that right to say those things to her, I don't have PD and I don't know how she feels.  I feel very stuck as to how to help my Mom.  Do you have any suggestions?

It is very true when they say that it is not just the patient living with PD it is the family too.

Thank you for your kind words in my previous post..........it meant a lot.  Sorry for venting to you, I am just desperately hoping you have some magic words that will help. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Kristine

Thanks for your kind comments.

PD is tough on the family and loved ones, you're right. You are correct that a positive attitude is important. I'm not a very good example to compare to because PD has not affected me significantly. I haven't had to deal with that. I do know that my priorities have changed and that I try to appreciate what I can do rather than what I can't.

My priorities have changed in the sense that things I wanted to do someday are getting bumped up a little closer to today. Plus I spend more time doing what I want to do - not in a selfish way, but just try to spend more time enjoying life. The house doesn't need to be spotless, etc.

Your comments indicate your mother has progressed rather quickly. Some forms of PD do. It certainly wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. I did. Actually I had 3 due to a study I participated in.

I would say that addressing the 'crying' or possible depression would be the first thing to tackle. Addressing that should help improve her attitude and motivation. I hope it does because it will makes things a lot easier on you.

lizzy4451