How can I do this alone?

I am 42, and I have been widowed for nearly 10 years... raising my two youngest sons on my own. Last June I was diagnosed with Parkinson's, but I've had the symptoms since 2005. When I think about it, there were probably signs long before that. The tremors, muscle pain and tenseness are all getting worse. I have not started the meds yet because I fear the side effects, and am in the middle of a lot of responsibilities right now... including needing to buy a home and move. Every site I go to... people talk about their husband, wife or care giver. I have no one, and I still have 5 years to go before my youngest is grown. I am on my own with no family to help and no support. Right now I am overwhelmed and really scared! How can I do this alone?

Thank you so much Mikel. Well, my father died 4 years before my husband... and my mother is in a nursing home with beginning to mid stages of Alzheimer's. I have one sister and one brother. My sister is so involved with things in her own life.... advocacy for abused women and domestic violence and drug/alcohol recovery support.... and she's taken on most of the responsibility of my mother since I cannot do as much anymore. She's too busy to help with anything really. My brother is indifferent...... not a very caring person... perhaps just does not cope well with things. I live in a different town right now. I would consider moving back to where they are, but I never had help with anything there before.. so I doubt it would be any different. Also my youngest son is dyslexic. Both sons are homeschooling right now, but I want to get them back in private school next school year. There aren't any good private schools that work with dyslexics students where my family lives. That is why I am thinking I need to stay in the Fort Worth area. I had planned to move to Denver where my oldest son lives. (he's 23) and also my late husband's brother and fam lives there... but I didn''t do well on my last trip there... the altitude. I nearly passed out and went to ER in an ambulance. My blood pressure would drop when I stood up. I was light headed a lot and got headaches, as well as a feeling that it was hard to breathe. I was there 5 weeks. It did get some better, but it was not enjoyable at all. I read that altitude affects PD. We are so disappointed because we were looking forward to moving there. I have so much to decide right now... and it's not just me to think about. I did find a YOPD support group in the DFW area, so I am going to call tomorrow. I really need to find support and hopefully other singles with YOPD as well. Thank you so much for replying and for your prayers! God bless!

I am close to my sis... but yes i've always felt that what she does is more important to her ... and yes I've shared those feelings with her. Both sister and brother know of the diagnoses and about my symptoms.... sis knows a lot about PD. I was there for 4 years, and neither offered help when I needed it. I moved there because people said I should move to where family lived. But I ended up feeling so alone because I was away from friends and rarely ever saw sis or bro... and not only did I not have help, but I had all the responsibility with my mom. I left because I had to. When I developed symptoms and my health couldn't take it anymore, I had to move away. I knew if I left my sis and bro would have to start helping my mother, I could not do it anymore. Turned out that it all fell on my sis, and now Mom is in a nursing home. Being where my oldest son is would be best for all of us. I wish I knew more about PD and altitude.

Hi and so sorry about your loss...do you qualify for respite care services? Maybe with a little support you will not feel so overwhelmed...you have a lot on your plate, so it is no doubt one would feel this way...big hugs, J