Accepting the news
When patients first receive a Parkinson's disease diagnosis, it may be difficult to believe. Many people find getting a second opinion a good idea, if only to help them take the next step in acceptance. There is usually a lot to consider following a diagnosis, from work options to lifestyle changes to treatment methods. Eventually, patients will have to choose whether or not to start taking medication for relief of their PD symptoms.
Medication
Doctors often prescribe levodopa and carbidopa. There are also several other medications for PD that are available.
People are often pleasantly surprised at the amount of relief they experience. Patients with more advanced diseases or with other medical conditions may have milder responses. Patients should know about side effects, short-term and long-term, of medications. Doctors can be a helpful source of information, as can the Internet or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation - (800) 457-6676.
Day-to-day living
These areas of life may require special attention for people with Parkinson's disease.
Diet. A good, balanced diet is recommended. Eating more fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of fluids (at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day) will help relieve the constipation that many patients experience.
Some people with Parkinson's disease have a poor appetite and find themselves losing weight. Making appetizing, easy-to-eat foods will be best, as will eating slowly in a pleasant environment. People with swallowing difficulties will want to make soft foods.
Some people also find that protein interferes with the effects of their medication, and may want to limit the amount of protein in their diets. To be most effective, medications should be taken on an empty stomach.
Exercise. It's the last thing patients may feel like doing, but exercise is essential to managing PD. Mobility is improved by staying active, and regular exercise and physical therapy helps keep the classic symptoms of PD at bay. It also helps secondary symptoms such as depression and constipation. Bending and stretching ("restorative", "gentle", or "senior" yoga classes are ideal) fights the disease with the most success.
Driving. This is one of the most difficult issues patients and their families may face. There are few state guidelines regarding PD and driving, and doctors are not required to report PD to motor vehicle bureaus. However, patients with PD may pose serious risks to themselves and others when they drive. PD patients have slowed visuospatial processing, and could find themselves unable to move if affected by an unpredictable "wearing-off" spell behind the wheel. A general rule is, when there is reason for concern, it's time to turn the wheel over.
Depression, discouragement and sadness. PD patients may want to remember that these emotions exist everywhere in everyone, with or without PD. PD makes them more likely, as people find themselves feeling shut out from life and connections to others. In fact, this happens so often that depression and sadness are considered co-occurring disorders with PD - in other words, they go hand in hand.
Sometimes, doctors can prescribe anti-depressants or support sources that offer relief.
Making an effort, being courageous and patient, and doing something about it are excellent antidotes to feelings of depression or hopelessness. Practicing meditation has helped people with depression for ages. A healthy diet and exercise combat depression naturally.
Family. While the challenge of PD is to remain as independent as possible, patients and family members soon learn that change is sometimes the only constant with PD. One day patients may be able to dress and feed themselves, another day they may have difficulty getting out of bed.
Honesty, frequent communication, patience and humor are the key to getting through PD with family. Having fewer expectations for themselves allows patients to be pleasantly surprised and not angry when things don't work out as expected. The changing relationships that happen with PD can cause misunderstandings and abrasive family conflicts, but these can be blessings in disguise, real opportunities for healing relationships. With or without PD, leaning to live with others takes time and effort, but it is usually worth it.
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