Help for FIL Please!!!

Hi....I am hoping someone may have some suggestions for me. My FIL is 66, and was diagnosed with Tendonitis about 2 1/2 yrs ago by is PCP. Well, he was taking the meds and it wasn't helping the shaking in his hand. His PCP gave him a referral to a Neurologist, but wouldn't go. Well, he's seen his PCP several times since then, and keeps telling him he needs to get evaluated, as now both his hands shake as well as his arms. He cannot cut up his food. He seems very depressed. He seems to be getting around much more slow, and looked a bit hunched over last time I saw him. My mom has worked in a Neuro's office for 13 yrs, and sees this everyday w/ Parkinson's patients, not to mention my grandfather had Parkinson's, so we have experience with it. I offered to take him to my moms work, and everyone in the family has tried to get him to go. I know he is probably scared, but I am starting to get mad at him!!!! He can't even pick up my daughter anymore. Why would he let himself deteriorate like this  without getting help???????????? Now, I know he hasn't been diagnosed, and there is a small chance it could be something else I guess, but I am afraid he's getting to the point where he will start shuffling like my grandpa did. OMG, thank you for letting me vent. Does anyone have any ideas how we can continue to encourage him to go???? Do we need to take a stronger approach??? Do we just drop it??? Thank you...

Jazzy1

Anyone out there have any suggestions for Jazzy 1? I do not envy you for being in that position.Possibly the PCP for your FIL might have some suggestions.I wish you the best,and I'm sorry I can't help.Ed

Jazzy, I can tell from your postings that you are worried and frustrated. I am sure your father in law is equally worried, but is one of those individuals that feels if they avoid unpleasant information it might go away. Unfortunately, we know that is not the case. It is impossible to make a diagnosis or even hint at one via e-mails. He needs to see a neurologist. The symptoms you describe certainly could be neurological. Most diseases involving the brain cause concomitant depression. When some people look back, prior to getting a formal diagnosis, depression is one of the earliest symptoms. It was for me. Usually, Parkinson’s disease first presents with what is termed a “unilateral” tremor or tremor in one hand or arm first. As the disease progresses, the tremor becomes “bilateral” or in two hands for some people, not all. For most people, Parkinson’s progresses fairly slowly. The change in posture or hunching over that you mention is also common in Parkinson’s. It sounds like you and your mother have had quite a bit of experience with PD, so you are familiar with all of the symptoms. The sad thing is that there are a variety of medications available to him if it is PD or even if it is another neurodegenerative disease that would improve the quality of his life. I certainly would not let him hold my infant unaided, if it appears that he is going to drop her. I am curious have you tried the approach that you know he wants to be in your daughter’s life and do the things with her that children enjoy. He will want to hold her, rock her, color and play with her as she grows. I wish you and your family the best of luck getting him to the medical help meds. Our prayers are with you and your family. You are always welcome here to vent no matter what the problem is. Jazzt, we are always here for you.