Hello, I am looking for any support for caring for someone with YOPD. I am struggling to cope with the mood swings and side affects/symptoms along with being a motivator and comforter for my husband. I have 2 little kids and find no time for me and I’m struggling! How do we fit enough exercise in and keep our mental health OK? Would like to hear from anyone else in the same situation. Thanks in advance
Hi Beachpebble,
Welcome to our community forum. We’re sorry to hear of your current challenges and hope hearing from others who have been through what you’re experiencing, as you soon will, can help alleviate some of your stress. We also have a website which is full of helpful info for carers as well as people with Parkinson’s. Have a look here for a good start: Carers' support | Parkinson's UK. You should also feel fully encouraged to call our helpline, on 0808 800 0303, as they offer multiple services including help finding support where you live. We hope you’ll take advantage of these resources as you get to know our lovely and wise community.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
Hi beachpebble9,
I and I’m sure the moderators and members have a few questions so we can perhaps know better what advice we could perhaps give you.
How old is your husband, with 2 young children I would presume in his 30’s or early 40s.
How old are you and the children?
I know you never ask a lady her age, but as you are incognito it should be ok. 
When was he diagnosed and by whom?
Is he on any medication?
What are the side effects and symptoms?
Are you on any vitamins like vit B6&12, E etc?
Exercise is a must in order to mitigate the symptoms and slow the progression.
That being said you and your kids must definitely also exercise. The endorphins released really do make a major difference in allowing you and your kids perhaps cope better.
Hello
I am 28, he’s 35. diagnosed privately last October.
On ropinirole and sinemet
he can get very moody and take things out of proportion, often upset
Yes on B6&12 and Folic acid
Kids are only 2 and 4 so can’t keep up with fast walk/run. We’ve been doing couch to 5k but takes an hour of our time every time. try and do badminton every 3 weeks but then relying on getting childcare.
Be so glad to get any advice or help I can, thank you
A diagnosis of Young onset PD is difficult to adjust to, in addition it comes with depression and anxiety as symptoms of the illness. It sounds like you need some help and advice. Your gp and the PD nurse are probably the easiest to contact in the first instance. Counselling may help your husband come to terms with it. There’s also YOPD groups that can be support. There’s an online one, if your do a search on the forum the details should come up.
There’s lots of general advice on the Parkinson’s UK site and a help line for advice. There are specific websites for YOPD as well
I hope things get easier
1 Like
Thank you thats very helpful. We were referred for PD nurse in Nov and still not heard anything but will try GP. Thank you
You should be able to phone the nurse. If you haven’t got a number, phone the hospital and go through switch board. They are usually really good at contacting back.
Perfect, thanks so much.
Hi beachpebble9,
PODD has made great suggestions regarding support please listed to him.
What do you mean he was diagnosed privately?
Who was this by, a GP or neuro?
That of course makes a major difference.
I understand totally your problem regarding exercise and your young children, however why don’t you and your husband exercise separately so one of you stay with the children whilst the other walks/runs/ exercise?
I know this sounds like a ludicrous question but …
Yes, moody and taking things out of proportion are part and parcel of PD and the medication he is on.
Perhaps a change of medication may help.
I am surprised that he is on two separate medications as he was only diagnosed last year.
Please also use Vit E.
Thanks for your help. GP and private neuro both diagnosed.
Yes is an option but of course takes double the time and definitely not as motivating or helpful when we are going through these things. Some activities such as badminton can’t be done with children either. Not keen to change medication as one is helpful and has only been taking the other for a month or 2. Only half dose so far too.
Yes thank you he is on Vit E.
Thanks for taking time to reply, appreciate it.
Hi,
Yes, of course it will take longer but perhaps to will at least allow you to have a decent run/walk and get the endorphins up and running properly, just a thought.
I know that I must exercise well to get my heart rate up at lest 3-4 times a week.
If I don’t my ‘tremors’ do definitely increase.
And of course when I am stressed, the tremors/shakes increase.
Did the neuro prescribe both?
Thanks. We are working through couch to 5k which is 3 x 30 mins a week. We will keep going but it takes a lot of dedication!
Yes neuro did prescribe both
Clive, I’m on 3 different drugs at just over a year. It’s more common in younger patients, I think in part due to activity levels. I don’t think 2 drugs is out of kilter with what would be expected.
Beechpebble - should of said before, as Clive says exercise makes a huge difference so keep up the couch to 5k.
Thank you Podd. We will keep it up!