My mother called me yesterday and told me her doctor thinks she has Parkinson’s disease. She’s not waiting for confirmation of diagnosis to start treatment, that could take up to a two years. Starting treatment right away will hopefully help with her symptoms. If it does, that’s almost as good as a confirmation.
Parkinson’s would certainly explain the rapid decline in some of her motor skills. I’ve watched her progress from using a cane to using a walker around the house in just a few months. Although the medication should improve things for her I worry about falling. She’s fallen before at church and around the house.
It’s not a terminal illness but it is life altering and degenerative. My mother’s symptoms will worsen over time though treatment should help keep them under control. She will need a lot more support at home, in my opinion. I’m not sure how to bring it up with the rest of the family. I asked who had spoken to Mom about the Parkinson’s with only a few people seeing it and responding. Maybe I’ll just let my older sister take the lead on this one, people will actually listen and respond to her.
I feel pretty helpless as there is absolutely nothing I can do right now to support them. My budget is super tight until my full income is reinstated. I’ll be able to visit sometime in May-June. When I do, I’ll prepare freezer meals; take my parents where they need to go; run errands for them; help keep the house clean and tidy…all the things. Whatever I can do to help.
My Phoenix Rising 