You're Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease: What Should You Do?
Recently I joined a couple of Parkinson's Facebook groups. They're places you can go to share experiences, ask questions, get support.
The sites are filled with newly diagnosed PD patients. They're nervous, scared and wondering what should they do?
Been there...done that.
Keeping in mind that every case is different, here's my best advice.
1. FIND A NEUROLOGIST YOU CAN TRUST AND BUILD A RELATIONSHIP
Easier said than done. I've seen some comments that people are waiting up to nine months to see one, especially in small town and rural areas. Be persistant. Call to check on cancellations you can fill. If necessary, go to an emergency room or find a clinic. Do whatever you need to do to get this done.The Neurologist is your go-to guy for testing, information and medication. The faster this gets done the better off you are.
2. GET ALL THE INFORMATION YOU CAN!
The Michael J. Fox Foundation and National Parkinson's Foundation are great sources for info. Just Google Parkinson's and you'll find millions of hits. Even Wikipedia will give you more information than can understand. If there's a Moving Day in your area, make sure you attend. All things Parkinson's related in one place. Ask questions, talk to other patients. One important thing...DO NOT SELF DIAGNOSE! But being informed is a good thing.
3. EXERCISE AND EAT HEALTHY
This is important for everyone but because Parkinson's mostly affects seniors (55plus) it's even more essential. Between aging and PD your body is going to be changing and not for the better. Keeping active makes your body work better and longer. Sounds obvious, right. You'd think so....
4. FIND A MIND ACTIVITY
Parkinson's is a neurological disease. It affects the brain. PD patients get Alzheimer's at a much higher rate than the general public. So get your mind working. Read, do puzzles, play Scrabble, listen to music, do some art, WHATEVER!! Find something you like to do and really do it. Just like you don't want your body to breakdown, same with your brain. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste. Keep it active.
5. KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Man, this a toughie. Everything around you is breaking down. Your entire life as you knew it is changing. It's not going to get better. It's easy to see why 60% of Parkinson's patients suffer from depression. How do you put a happy face on that?
Find someone to talk to and do it regularly. Keep family and friends informed but they have their own lives. Plus, you should save them for when you really need them...and you will.
Having a therapist works best. You get an hour a week with someone who won't judge you to talk about whatever you need to get off your chest. It's a pretty great thing.
Make sure you continue to do the things you like. Just because you have Parkinson's, it shouldn't stop you from seeing movies, concerts, ballgames...yanno...real life activities.
That's my five step program. Is it easy do? Of course not. Do I practice what I preach? Of course not. I have real problems with #3 and like I said earlier #5 is a real pain. But I try. This is more of a do as I say and not as I do type of program.
Just remember this....LIVE LIFE THE BEST YOU CAN!