My battle with Parkinson
Since 2016 I have had Parkinson. It’s affecting my daily life, especially with using my hands to hold my fork and knife and feed myself, meal time for me is a very tiring and frustrating situation especially when I am with my family, I feel embarrassed and angry at myself, same thing with washing my hands or face and washing my hair . All of these activities which used to be natural and normal are not any more. I get upset when my daughter or son try to help me with that, it makes me feel helpless and not in control of myself.
I'm so sorry you are struggling. All of these emotions you're feeling are completely normal. Maybe you could tell your family that you prefer if they wait for you to ask for help before jumping in to help you. I'm sure they want to help because they love you. I found an article you may find helpful. https://parkinsonsdisease.net/living/balancing-emotions
Best wishes, April - ParkinsonsDisease.net TeamHi April,
Many thanks for your reply,it made feel better and for sure I will read your suggested article
, Thank you for your post. I am so sorry that you are having difficulty with feeding. I too have Parkinson's and I use weighted utensils [fork, spoon, soup spoon, and knife.] I ordered them online and they help me with my tremors.
There are other adaptive equipment items on the internet. There are 2 handled cups, weighted cups/glasses, scoop plates with a lip to help one place food on a fork or spoons. There are also adaptive items for brushing your hair, putting on you socks. I hope this helps you. These items will help you with your "new normal."
Your children mean well by trying to help you. Let them know that when you need assistance, you will ask. I wish you the best, always!
-Marc Mitnick, MS, CCC-SLP, Moderator, ParkinsonsDisease.netDear Marc,
Many thanks for replying, I know that Parkinson is affecting not only my hands but my whole body including my sleep and my daily chores.I am trying very hard to be independent, because once you give up then you will lose your ability to be independent .
Wish you the bestDear Layla, Thank you for your comments. Never surrender! You are the Commander-in-Chief, strategizing your battle with this formidable enemy, Parkinson's Disease. Good luck! With good thoughts to you!-Marc M., Moderator, www.ParkinsonsDisease.Net
, I read your post with interest. Several of the members in our support group recently discussed some or all of the things you mention so I know you are not alone with these frustrations. One of our support members was excited to bring her new silverware to a meeting to see if anyone else wanted to try them before they buy some. The weighted fork, knife and spoon seem to help her a great deal. Perhaps you could look at those? She did a search online for “silverware for Parkinson’s patients” and many styles came up. I hope you stop feeling bad about something you cannot control and realize that your family understands (at least I hope they do). Best wishes, Lorraine - parkinsonsdisease.net moderator
