My boyfried has been diagnosed with Parkinsons
My boyfriend has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I really need help. All I do is cry. I am afraid to cry in front of him because I feel that I need to be strong for him. It is okay for me to share how I feel? We just found out last week is it to soon? I am not sure I can be his care giver. I have such a demanding job. I am trying to learn as much as possible. I am very depressed but mostly because I don’t want him to suffer. Am I jumping to conclusions? Please help.
I think the first thing would be to ask him how he is feeling about the diagnosis. It may not have truly sunken in yet. Have him explain what having the Parkinson's symptoms fee like. Ask him what he needs from you and be honest about what you are able to give him. Ask him how he feels his life might be different now. Share your concerns. Also share any information you get about Parkinson's with him. This site has great information as do the many of the books on the topic. You will also find support for you as his partner on this site.
Remember also that Parkinson's is different for most people. You can read about stages but know it doesn't progress the same for everyone.
I've had Parkinson's for over three years. When I was first diagnosed, I asked my husband to give me a little time to let it sink in. It wasn't long before we began having conversations about what we needed from each other.
Hello. You came to the right place. Parkinson's Disease can be scary but you can learn to live with it and manage it if you ask the right questions and get the right tools for your tool box. I agree with Pat that you need to let the new diagnosis simmer for a bit/get used to it. You are an amazing girlfriend to reach out for your significant other! You two shall get thru this journey together! Please private message me if you want some support as a care partner. My father is aged 87 and has had PD for about 15 years. Blessings on your day. Suzanne Troy, ParkinsonsDisease.net team member Thank you for your support. We had a long conversation yesterday and we cried a lot. He did tell me that i should leave him. I have decided that i am going to be there for him. I don't know if i can be a caregiver in the future but for now, one day at time. Prior to this I was very happy with him and i am old enough to know that a man like him is very hard to find. I am very fortunate to have three amazing kids who support me and so many friends that are there for me to listen when i need them. I am happy to have found you guys and i am sure that i will reach out in the future. For now we are both very much alive so I will remind him of this anytime he feels down. Hello, You are welcome for our support! Yes, taking it one day at a time allows the diagnosis to sink in for you and your boyfriend. I thought that it might help you if you think of it as taking time to "respond" rather than "react" to this news. This idea/attitude has helped me to get thru many tough situations within the last few years of both my parents having multiple health issues. By "holding my tongue" and thinking things thru, before I respond, it can help the intensity of a heated moment(s) until you are calmer etc. I hope that helps. Also, here is an article written by our group of editors that I thought you might find helpful for newly diagnosed with PD:
https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/newly-diagnosed-whats-next
All the best, Suzanne Troy, team member
Good morning, this is a very sad day for me. His therapist and him seem to think that they know whats best for me. He broke up with me last night. Said he didn't want to burden me. I think i am capable of deciding what I want and dont want in my life. Not one day since he was diagnosed did i want out. I was scared yes and i think its natural but i was with him. I was really surprised and heartbroken..I dont let just anyone into my life..I wanted to be there with him. He didn't even tell me he was seeing a therapist until last night. When i looked at him i never saw the illness i only saw the man i love. Maybe that's what i did wrong..I dont know. I have been really good to him.
my heart goes out to you. I can imagine how difficult this situation is for you both. As Marc mentioned, we are here for you and care. Sending you so many hugs. -Jessica, Parkinsonsdisease.net Team Member 
, I am so sorry to hear of the breakup. Please keep in touch. If you need just to talk or anything just contact me. Best, Marc M., Moderator, parkinsonsdisease.net
irisnola, I am so sorry to hear that he broke up with you, Just the fact that you contacted this site for advice shows how you intended to continue to be there for him.
Pat LaPointe
