Dad just diagnosed...

My father was just diagnosed with PD. I have thought he has had the disease for about five year, but my mom was in serious denial. Things got worse the last few months and my mom finally agreed to 'make' Dad go--he is 76. My father is very angry--and I think part of him just wants to give up. I just wanted to know what I can expect in the next few years and what I can do for him? He is so changed I am hoping some medication might help with the symptoms (shaking, emotionless face, lots of sleeping...).

Thanks for any info or pointing me to a good resource.

Sorry to hear that your Dad is having a difficult time...being 76 is hard enough without having PD to cope with.  But its not all bad news and the main thing he has going for him is the support you are obviously prepared to give him.  Your Mom maybe finding it hard to accept...lots of people are like that.  I know this because my own wife shys away from anything to do with illness and it leaves me feeling quite lonely sometimes. I am 73 and apart from the PD which I have had for more than 7 years I also have Chronic renal failure which means I will have to go onto dialysis sometime soon. But I have got used to it and try to get over the bad days by looking forward to the good days 

The thing to remember is that your Dad will get worse but really quite slowly. Having the shakes, tremors, facial rigidity and other things associated with PD are not nice but given a bit of time and patience can partially be overcome with the medication and through his own efforts. For example - when my jaw becomes stiff and moves out of control I chew gum.  It may not work for some people but it works for me because it is giving my mouth something to do.  I mention this one thing just to show how sometimes simple things can resolve unpleasant things.

Try and make sure your Dad doesnt give up and fall into depression.   Help him have a bit of self respect and make his last years happier than they they have been.

Not much help I know but take it easy and dont worry...its not so bad ....I promise

God Bless

Billy

  Hello,I am a new member to the forum.  I was finally correctly diagnosed at 45 and am now 46.  The best things that I can suggest to you and your father-give him love and support to be mad,try to help him channel the mad into good directions,like showing him with the support of his doctor,good medication regime(which unfortunately takes time), that he can still do some or most of his things with a schedule that lets him rest.  Also,encourage him to be as independent as he can-it takes a certain amount of time to know when to help or not-my husband finally understood that crooked pizza was as good as straight pizza.   Don't be fooled by the mask face-he is still there.  If he is  becoming depressed-let his Dr. know.  Exercise helps,but depression needs to be treated too.  Hang in there,and God bless you,good luck.