Re: doubting Thomas

["Fleming, Jennifer" <Jennifer_Fleming@xxxxxx>]

Alf, I think I kind of went through the same feelings that your wife is
going through.  I think it was my way of not acknowledging that my Dad had
PD.  I knew he had it, but I just didn't want to think about it.  It gave me
a sinking feeling in my stomach during those first five years when I had to
acknowledge the progression.  It was easier to think that maybe it was just
normal age, etc.  Jen, Dad is PWP 55/39

-----Original Message-----
From: Alf Cousins []
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2000 2:51 AM
To: PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: doubting Thomas


I know caregivers must have a difficult time, finding their lives turned
upside down, especially after years of effort, but how do I deal with my
wife (I'm not modern enough to call her a 'significant other') who responds
to every report of my condition with a "that's probably just because of your
age". I'm 50, I've had the symptoms for nearly two years, got a firm
diagnosis from a Neurologist about two months ago. OK, so it's early days
and I don't need meds, and the tremor etc doesn't get in the way of doing
things. But I notice changes which I also read about in forums like this
one, like vivid dreams, blurred vision, loss of smell, and so on. I have to
say, I'm acutely aware of becoming a hypochondriac (-you know, the best way
to make your family ill? Buy them a medical book for Xmas!) So, I kinda note
the new symptoms with the same interest as, I imagine, a pregnant woman
notes the subtle changes in her body. One day the bump is going to be
obvious to everyone. But for now, when I report some new observation I'd
like the conversation to be about the possibility that it may be related to
PD, not have it dismissed as "Look you're getting older, you might have
expected this to happen anyway..." Am I being unfair, am I missing
something.... any caregivers out there who want to fire an opinion my way.
Alf
50/<1/2