Need some help

[smitty0255]

Hi all - it was not a good weekend for me. I gound out that my father (58) was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It really knocked me for a loop. My dad and I are very close. For me, he has always seemed larger than life. He rarely even gets a cold. It is hard to think about a time when he cannot play golf or go hunting with me. If anyone has experience with Parkinson's and can offer any advice or insight, that would be great.

 

[Mr Peat]

I cant offer any advice but I can offer a pray. Sorry to hear the bad news.

 

[DevilsMilk]

Smitty,

My father-in-law suffers from Parkinsons disease and about 2 years ago he went in for the new surgery where they implant nodes inside the brain that are attached to pace-maker type devices in the chest that send a signal to the nodes in the brain to help with the affects of Parkinsons. Its amazing to see the difference of him now from before the surgery, his shakes have almost dissapeared completely. He loves it now after the surgery. I will see what information I can dig up on that type of surgery. Your father and family are in my prayers.


Brad

Ok this is the surgery its called "Deep brain stimulation (DBS)".

http://www.webmd.com/hw/parkinsons/hw93380.asp

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_br...stimulation.htm

http://www.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscienc...hniques/dbs.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.org/movement-disorde...timulation.html


Hopefully this information can be of use to you and your father if for informational purposes only. Again I know first hand what its like to see a loved one deal with Parkinsons disease.


Brad

 

[preembargo]

It's so hard. When your rock is faced with something like this, it can turn everything upside down and sideways. Your dad's going to need you to be his rock soon. But be encouraged, you have family and friends to help you get through this and as DevilsMilk said, the state of modern medicine is rapidly advancing in regards to treating Parkinson's.

Our prayers go out for you, your father, and your family.

 

[LilBastage]

Sorry to hear this. I don't have any personal experience or insight to share, but I've seen a good friend's family deal with Parkinson's.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

 

[smitty0255]

Thanks guys, for the info and for the supportive words. My dad was actually in town today for work, so he came over tonight for dinner and we sat outside and smoked a couple of PSD4's that I was saving for a special occasion. Honestly, it's kind of weird, but it was one of the best nights of my life.