Younger Parkinsons wife frustrated ! - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

Dania1 · 09-14-2006, 11:39 PM

I am 50 and my husband is 62. I totally empathize with you and it's so nice to know I'm not alone. This website is the best thing that has happened to me in months. My husband gets nervous, hovers, asks a lot of rhetorical questions, gets stressed easily. It takes a lot of patience.

Shamsky · 09-19-2006, 05:10 AM

I understand how you feel. My husband is 56. I'm 49. He was diagnosed three years ago. Sometimes I wonder if I have a marriage at all. I can deal with his limited employment now, but not the mental and emotional symptoms. The mutuality of the relationship is going down the drain. My husband has speech problems, slowness, difficulty walking, insomnia, pain and trouble getting out of a sitting position. He's getting more depressed lately. It's tough being a well spouse. You no longer have a spouse who meets your needs or helps you with any problems.

JILLIKEN · 09-19-2006, 03:12 PM

Hi there, I am 48, and was diognosed with PD when I was 45. I am on Requip
at the moment (23mg/day). When the meds kick in, I am a normal person again, when they wear off, I drag my leg, cannot talk properly, and go stiff. I have also experienced short term memory loss, mood swings, and unreasonable behaviour. I have moments of being insecure and paranoid - almost about anything! The most frustrating thing about Parkinson's is having it! 2 1/2 yrs ago I was a normal human being, now there are times when i feel a freak, and I know its not going to get any better. Luckily, I am very positive, still work as a Telesales Supervisor for a wholesale company, albeit have just reduced my hours as I was getting too tired. I can still play squash, but I cant dance - (my biggest frustration) I sometimes have to ask friends to help do a button up or put on a bracelet for me, I dont like asking, I would rather be able to do it myself, but I have no choice! I have changed from a very active person who was always on the go to a much less active person unless dictated by my meds. I am now considering introducing Levadopa to my meds, which hopefully will give me a better quality of life. I know how hard and frustrating it must be to be a carer, but it is also just so frustrating to have to accept major changes which are happening to your mind and body which you cannot control, especially at such a young age and with such a varient on symptoms from one Parkie to another.

My motto: Live for today, and make the most of things while you still can!
Good Luck Jill

JILLIKEN · 09-19-2006, 03:34 PM

Hi there, I am 48, and was diognosed with PD when I was 45. I am on Requip
at the moment (23mg/day). When the meds kick in, I am a normal person again, when they wear off, I drag my leg, cannot talk properly, and go stiff. I have also experienced short term memory loss, mood swings, and unreasonable behaviour. I have moments of being insecure and paranoid - almost about anything! The most frustrating thing about Parkinson's is having it! 2 1/2 yrs ago I was a normal human being, now there are times when i feel a freak, and I know its not going to get any better. Luckily, I am very positive, still work as a Telesales Supervisor for a wholesale company, albeit have just reduced my hours as I was getting too tired. I can still play squash, but I cant dance - (my biggest frustration) I sometimes have to ask friends to help do a button up or put on a bracelet for me, I dont like asking, I would rather be able to do it myself, but I have no choice! I have changed from a very active person who was always on the go to a much less active person unless dictated by my meds. I am now considering introducing Levadopa to my meds, which hopefully will give me a better quality of life. I know how hard and frustrating it must be to be a carer, but it is also just so frustrating to have to accept major changes which are happening to your mind and body which you cannot control, especially at such a young age and with such a varient on symptoms from one Parkie to another.

My motto: Live for today, and make the most of things while you still can!
Good Luck Jill

kathy008 · 09-22-2006, 11:36 AM

You're not alone by no means. I am 49 and was diagnosed when I was also 45. I also feel insecure and alone even though I'm married. I feel that my husband is not there for me. I am effected on my right side. I have great difficulty even signing my name and did tend to drag my right leg. But I am truly blessed since it hasn't effected my speech. A few months ago I got a surestep brace for my right ankle/foot and it enables me to walk almost normal without draging. I also joined the YMCA six months ago and walk a mile several times a week. I also use the weights. The exercise helps me with my emotional needs making me feel better about myself and physically stronger. I feel fortunate & thankful that I was able to work for one company for 30 years and retire at 48. It is frustrating to say the least to have Parkinsons and yet have so many people still depending on you to be the strong one.