My dad is in the advanced stages of Parkinsons. He still functions O.K., but with a TREMENDOUS amount of effort. However, he has been having some serious back problems lately. The MRI showed that his bottom 4 lumbars are trashed (slipped disc, nerves, etc). He goes in a couple of weeks to a specialist to see what, if anything, can be done. My question is how will all of this affect his PD? Open- ended question, I know, but could the pain and increased limited mobility speed up the PD, and if they decide to do surgery, what is he in for? My husband, kids and myself are moving back in a few months so we can all help care for him (too much for just my mom to handle, I think) and I'm trying to prepare myself for how to help care for him. Knowing what's in store makes that a little easier. Thanks in advance for any answers/advice.

Tracy