Hi,
My dad is 84 and was diagnosed with Vascular Parkinson’s 2 years ago.
Since the diagnosis we have had numerous trips to A&E then sent home as he has nothing wrong with him. He looks very well for his age and would pass for a 60 year old to look at him. My mum is the main career helped by myself, husband and our daughter.
My mum is at crisis point with him obsessional behaviour and we are desperate for any advice.
He takes Clopidogrel and Co-careldopa.
We have been trying to have his medication reviewed as he has deteriorated rapidly over the last 6 weeks, he seems to have dementia type symptoms and obsessional behaviour. He feels dizzy and looks awful but then the dizziness passes.
He has not had any Parkinson’s review since May 2023 or seen anyone regarding the Parkinson’s since that date.
I just wondered if anyone is aware of the nice guidelines on the timescales for reviewing the Parkinson medication.
It’s impossible to be seen quickly by anyone, we have even explored the route of going private but if we do this then we will be removed from the NHS Parkinson’s team.
Hello Archie, and welcome to our community forum.
You are sure to hear from our members soon, but before that we would encourage you to reach out to our helpline on 0808 800 0303, as they can answer these questions and provide numerous resources to make things easier on your dad and the rest of the family. It’s a free and confidential call and an advisor is waiting to help.
With our warmest welcome,
Jason
Forum Moderator
Good evening Archie … I am seventy years old & have Parkinson’s & a number of other health issues. I live alone & cope quite well. I’m on Co-careldopa & it helps me.
About 7 months ago I signed up with Benenden.
It costs £15.50p a month & gives you access to see consultants should you need to at their hospitals. The deal is if your Neurologist can’t see you in x amount of time then you can use their service free of charge. I understand you need to have been a member for 6 months before you can use this service.
My Parkinson’s nurse has forwarded my medical records to the Benenden Group & I will be seen soon. It does not affect my seeing my Parkinson’s nurse who I will remain with. But my last appointment with an NHS neurologist was 12 months ago & was cancelled when he left the NHS.
As far as I am aware you can be seen privately & do not lose your NHS care. Also it might be that the private neurologist you see may take your Dad as an NHS patient.
I have seen private consultants in the past costing in the region of £200. I would have thought that at 84 it is important for your Dad to see someone sooner than later. Especially if you can/he can afford the fee.
You might consider getting him a referral through his Gp to see a PCN [Primary care worker]. I saw one & they were very helpful in getting an appointment urgently with a face to face appointment with a Gp during covid restrictions. She visited me at my flat & has remained in contact.
Your Dad should certainly have access to a Parkinson’s nurse. I see mine every
6 months.
Any questions do ask.
Best wishes
Steve2
You might try contacting PCN care yourself & see if it needs a referral.
Hi Archie,
your GP should be able to review his medications and give advice and if needed can review you back to the PD team. It sounds like he needs the GP more than anything at this point. They can also access social help for your father and mother which should help to make life easier. i know it can be hard to get an appointment with GPs at the moment but it is the first step to getting help.
all the best
Podd
Welcome Archie7 To see your nurse i think waits inbetween is some times when you don’t live near a big city, I have to visit QMC Nottm I see my nurse every 6 months and in between I see the consultant once a year. We have 4 PD nurses, It is good advice from PODD but doe’s your father have a letter from the hospital it should say Dr seretary try to speak with her or him. Shout if you have too, you have all paid for the NHS now make it work for you dad, at your dad age no body should be left out. Please post and lat us know how you went on.
Hi @Archie7 when did the obsessional behaviour start? I had some obsessional behaviour with a Parkinsons drug (neither of your 2) so it could be that causing it. Take a look at the leaflet that comes with every pill packet. Sending you good wishes.