Parkinson's Disease

[Guest]

My father is 86 yrs old and has had parkinsons for some years. About 6 weeks ago he fell and hurt his ankle and ever sence then the disease seems to be progressing quite fast. He was sent to a nursing home for 5 weeks and then they sent him home for our care..We are also taking care of my mother who had a severe stroke last year. As you can tell our hands are quite full. No one has really told us too musch about Parkinsons except for the shaking and shuffle steps. He now needs complete help to do everything..He can still feed himself but at times he can not get things up to his mouth. He has not been told what will happen to him and how much longer he may have.. How will I know when he is in his final stages? And what should I do when he gets there..

Thank you for any help that you might be able to offer............

[Guest]

It certainly sounds like a difficult situation. In some elderly patients, illnesses such as a broken bone can be associated with significant deterioration in function. You should have his neurologist see him and make appropriate medication adjustments if necessary, in order to provide him with the maximum mobility and minimal side effects of the medications. He may improve, the longer he is home, nad with physical hterapy to help his mobility. You should speak to his, and your mothers doctors about obtaining home health services for both of your parents, as the care-givers job is a very diffiuclt one, and you need all of the professional help you can get. Take care.
[quote] My father is 86 yrs old and has had parkinsons for some years. About 6 weeks ago he fell and hurt his ankle and ever sence then the disease seems to be progressing quite fast... [/quote]

[ahldee]

It is 2007 and I just found this site. My father is 90 and has PD. He shuffles around with the aid of a walker - only when necessary to go to the bathroom or to his bedroom. His MD is a fast in and out guy and doesn't take much time to listen. At 90, I can't get him out of the house easy enough to hunt for another MD. He takes Levadopa and Amantadine. I'm wondering if after what I've read, if there are better Meds out there that are more effective . My father's legs seem to get like rubber and down he goes. Could this be the last stages of PD? If you can pass any information from your father's PD I would be much appreciative. Thanks

[drguzman]

Hello! My father is 84 ys old. I am single dentist, with no other help than that of a lady that stays with my dad all day until I come home. Dad began with tremors in his right hand about 5 yrs ago. Overtime he has tried various medications including requip, sinemet, amantadine, stalevo and recently a new patch called Neupro. Well my father does not walk anymore and as of a few weeks ago he is not able to swallow foods or liquids normally. I dont know if this is related to last stages or what, because a friend of mine told me that his father had the same problem for years and it was not last stage. All I want is to provide my dad with the very best I can do for him. Anyone that has any ideas are welcome. You may email me at [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] It will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Arnie

[hipropd]

My husband was diagnosed last Wednesday with Parkinsons. He is 50 years old. The doctor originally told him he had Essential Tremor in June of this year and reassured him that he did not have Parkinsons on 4 different visits since June. The tremors worsened despite taking Lamictal for them. He started having problems sleeping and then a couple of weeks ago I noticed that he was having difficulty swallowing. I made sure he remembered to tell the doctor. The doctor just looked at him strangely and told the nurse to go get a starter pack of Requip. He handed the pills to my husband and said "This is for Parkinsons Disease." and then he left the room. We have questions...

[bbarryb]

I'd see a neurologist. PD is diagnosed by the careful observation of a specialist. There are a number of similar problems, so getting the diagnosis right is important. I had two neurologists assess my symptoms both of which confirmed that I had PD. I know there are ways to treat the swallowing problem and the sleeplessness. Best of luck.