Husband newly diagnosed

About Parkinson's and health Newly diagnosed
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Hi. My husband who is 54 was diagnosed yesterday. We had been waiting for a long time for an NHS appointment and eventually used private health care through work. Both in a bit of shock as we’d been categorically told by GPs it wasn’t Parkinson’s but nuerologist diagnosed it immediately. Anyway he’s been prescribed medication. I suppose my question is what happens next? How is the best way to process this. Think we both feel a bit lost.

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Hi @Tabcat38, thank you for your post. We are sorry to hear of your husband’s diagnosis and want you to know we are here to help and you are not alone.

We have information on our website for people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s, including a checklist on things you should do and links to helpful support for you and your husband. You can find it here: Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK

If you need to speak to someone, we have a free helpline on 0808 800 0303. Our specialists will be on hand to answer your questions, offer you advice and can signpost you to other support that’s available to you.

Please take care and reach out if there is anything we can do,

Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team 💙

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Morning Tabcat .. I am 72 & have Parkinson’s. I take Co-careldopa. Yes it is a shock getting diagnosed but you do get used to it in time. Medication is all that happens there is nothing else. Usually one starts on a low dose & increases it over a few weeks to the required level. Hopefully this helps the symptoms.

Best of luck.

Steve2

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I’m sorry to hear about your husbands recent diagnoses.

My husband was diagnosed three years ago and nothing much has changed, his tremor may be slightly worse but nothing else. He still works full time, runs around with our grandson and most importantly puts the bins out!

We decided early on to join our local Parkinson group. We don’t go to the weekly chats but keep up to date with what they off for example, table tennis, walking football, outings, meals etc .Every year we attended a county conference and meet fellow parkies. I must say it’s a club no one wants to be in but everyone is lovely in it! It’s good to meet fellow parkies, hear their stories and adventures. Surround yourself with up lifting supportive people. There’s lots out there but do these things when you’re ready, we’re all different.

I’m sure other people will come along with more practical advice but if you like to message me feel free.

My very best wishes,

Minty

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Hi, so sorry about your husband’s diagnosis. I’m just a few weeks in, unfortunately. I’m 50 and had been experiencing stiff fingers in my left hand and a tremor when flexing my arm. Weirdly I wasn’t shocked as I knew something wasn’t right. I’m not on meds yet and have been throwing myself into yoga and running. I am determined to hold this back as much as I can. This article seemed very encouraging to me: Parkinson's: Using exercise to turn the table on disease - BBC News

I think I’ve convinced my lovely husband to try CrossFit with me and he has never been in a gym in his life. I’m also going to try PENF therapy as heard some encouraging stories of how that can help. Best of luck with everything!

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We were the same, We sort of knew but it was huge shock hearing it out loud. The neurologist has suggested exercise along side the medication. The article was very helpful. We currently planning an exercise regime. I exercise a lot so I may have a new buddy. X

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Hi, I was diagnosed in October last year after going private to see a neurologist (NHS couldn’t give me a date for this and stated there would be a minimum wait of over a year for an appointment! Needless to say I saw the same neurologist privately that I now see through NHS.)

I also suspected my tremor was a sign of PD as my dad had it. I was told it wasn’t hereditary, but “runs in families”?? I’ve picked up a lot of good information on PD from the “Movers and Shakers” podcast, which is generally positive but can be quite scary too! My summation from my own experience and what I’ve heard on the podcast is:

  1. The condition affects almost everyone differently and it’s hard to tell how it will progress.

  2. There’s not much support from NHS in terms of how you’re told and not much contact going forward - you might see a neurologist twice a year and a Parkinson’s nurse once a quarter.

  3. Drugs and exercise can help alleviate the condition.

  4. Worse things happen at sea.

I try to stay as positive as possible and get on with everything I did before I had the diagnosis - playing golf, swimming, going for long walks, cycling, watching my diet, going to the pub etc.. I know the condition is degenerative, but tell myself “So is old age”. I do intend to go along to the local support group as this is generally seen as one of the most positive things you can do…..

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