I stumbled on this Paul’s story on Parkinson.org where he says, ” I have Parkinson’s but Parkinson’s doesn’t have me”. The statement sets the stage for Paul’s attitude towards what he is going through. He might be having the tremors, the anxiety and the imbalance that are all due to the disease. But Paul is a story of resilience and endurance. He is the type of guy who will not bow down because he is suffering. I like sharing this story about Paul with all people at the caregiving home who are suffering from Parkinson’s since there is just so much to learn from him.

Take meds to control the symptoms

Medications such as levodopa and sinemet help control the symptoms especially in the early stages of the disease. Take them so as to alleviate tremors and dystonia.

Research also shows that Royal CBD is effective in controlling anxiety, stress and the tremors that come about due to Parkinson’s disease.

Make sure that you exercise

You need to stay active. Lying in bed all day or on the wheelchair simply because you have Parkinson’s will not help. While it will make people get sympathetic, it only makes matters worse for you since the symptoms get worse with inactivity.

Eat well 

When you have Parkinson’s, feeding right should be your number one goal. I have found out that constipation is very regular and you therefore need to take lots of liquids for better bowel movement.

Taking anti-oxidants has also been found to be great in fighting toxins. Anti-oxidants include eggs, grain, fruits such as grapes, apples and pears.

Avoid alcohol

Alcohol drinking will make you dumb and irregular in your walking so avoid it at all costs.

Allow others to take care of you

There are patients who are just difficult to deal with simply because they do not want others to take care of them. Do not be like so as this only makes things bad for you.

Use adaptive equipment to ease life

Items such as the Parkinson’s spoon that help with eating for people with hand tremors is very effective. The spoon usually has motion sensors that counteract your hand movements so that you are able to eat with ease with minimal spillage of the food.

Research also shows that the use of weighted blankets for anxiety can have a calming effect on your body. You are able to feel grounded as though someone is giving you a big body hug and this tends to make you feel good and less anxious. It also allows you to sleep soundly.

Author(s)

  • Trizah Wanja

    Trizah Wanja, Caregiver

    Trizah Wanja works as a palliative caregiver at a missionary hospice in Kenya where she is responsible for taking care of cancer and Parkinson's patients by encouraging them emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. She brings over 9 years of experience into hosiped.