Just found out my father in law has Parkinsons - Parkinson's Disease Message Board

neebs · 08-02-2009, 03:53 AM

I have just found out my father in law has been diagnosed with PD. He is 77 years old and lives alone. He lost his wife (my mum in law) 7 years ago, and his son (my husband) just over 2 and half years ago. He also lost his mother about one year ago.

He lives in a huge house in the country, only a few miles away from where I live with my 7 yr old daughter (his granddaughter).

He was extremely reluctant to even tell me about this diagnosis and its only because his girlfriend had really forced him to tell me that I know. He is very reluctant to talk about this, and very stubborn. I am scared that when this disease progresses it will be almost impossible for me to raise my concerns or any issues with him, as he will more than likely just shut it out and change the subject. I would appreciate hearing from anyone else who has found or finds themselves in a similar position and hear how they have overcome communication difficulties.

cejayb · 08-02-2009, 06:58 PM

Hi. My husband was also diagnosed very recently, age 77. Healthy/fit/active and can't understand why. I think there is a period of fear and denial and you just have to support while your FIL comes to terms with this. My husband is convinced that when his medication settles the relatively slight tremor that he has in his hands will stop. Also a period of depression that is part of PD apparently when everything in life appears to be miserable. I am just making sure that he eats well, exercises and when he does talk about it that I am positive as PD can be a very slow process and I am a great believer in attitude playing a large part in health. Husbands doctor sent me a very good website if you are interested. [Never quite sure what you can post on this main site]

neebs · 08-03-2009, 09:20 AM

Thanks for response. Yes I am a great believer in having a positive attitude as well. Your husband is lucky to have you helping him. * email address and/or contact information removed by hb-mod, moderator * My biggest concern is my FIL tends to bury his head in the sand about this type of thing and I'm worried about the depression aspect as well. He is not always an easy man to talk to about personal matters. Anyway thanks for responding. All the best to you and your husband.

cejayb · 08-04-2009, 01:22 AM

Hi neebs. Can't private email to you as you are a newbie. Excellent site I was given by Dr nlm.nih.gov/medicineplus/parkinsonsdisease.html Click on Parkinsons Disease Medline Plus.
My husband also very stubborn and I just hope that this is going to be slow moving as he will not want the alternative. I figure that it's just one day at a time and happy to chat any time so we can learn together!!
Ce
Entirely off the subject and personal.....my brother lives in Aberdeen!!