|
| |
You may also find that you develop lasting bonds with people who are going through the same
experiences as you. Support groups also exist for the families of people with Parkinson's disease.
To learn about support groups in your community, talk to your doctor, a Parkinson's disease social
worker or a local public health nurse. Or contact the National Parkinson Foundation.
-Minimize work-related stress. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease doesn't mean you have to stop
working. In fact, 25 percent to 35 percent of people with the disease continue to hold either full- or
part-time jobs. But you may need to approach work differently. Start by breaking your job down into
individual tasks. Then consider whether your symptoms will affect your ability to perform each task.
-Next, try to create a schedule that allows you to do the most challenging assignments when you're
at your peak. In some cases, you may consider telecommuting, working part-time or even changing
jobs. Keep in mind that the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires your employer to make
reasonable accommodations to help you function more easily on the job. These accommodations
include modified work schedules, reassignment to vacant positions, job restructuring, and the use
of special equipment or devices. For more information about the ADA, call the toll-free ADA
information line at 800-514-0301.
-Although you may not feel comfortable talking about your illness, in many cases it's best to be
candid with your supervisor. That way, he or she can work with you to make the adjustments
necessary to meet your needs. On the other hand, you're under no legal obligation to disclose your
condition to your employer as long as you can do your job.
-Maintain good communication with your partner. It's extremely important for couples to be open
about their feelings, especially when it comes to living with Parkinson's disease. The disease may
change your life and the lives of your loved ones in a number of ways. It's best if you can talk
honestly about these changes. For instance, if you're no longer able to work full time, there may be
financial issues that need to be resolved. The amount of care a person with Parkinson's disease
needs is also often an issue. Because it may take you longer to do ordinary tasks, your partner
might want to help. But most people with Parkinson's disease like to remain as independent as
possible. You'll need to let your partner know when you need help and when you don't.
-Sometimes couples also experience sexual problems. Parkinson's disease makes it more difficult
to move easily, which can affect intimacy. In addition, some men with Parkinson's disease may have
problems with impotence and women may experience decreased desire (libido). This may be the
result of antiparkinson medications or of the disease itself. But these problems can often be
helped. For instance, medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) have proved beneficial for many men
with Parkinson's disease.
-In addition, try to schedule time together when your medications are at their peak and you're less
likely to be troubled by symptoms. And keep in mind that intercourse is only one way to be intimate.
Just cuddling or holding each other often can deepen a relationship and make it more emotionally
satisfying.
-Most important, try to talk frankly about your feelings and concerns. Repressed feelings can be
harmful to your immediate well-being and long-term health. If necesssty, discuss your problems with
your doctor or counselor.
-Be honest with children. If you have children, don't try to hide the diagnosis from them. Children
can usually sense when something is wrong in the family, and the anxiety and fear of not knowing is
often harder on them than knowing the truth. In addition, children need to be reassured that their
mother or father will be all right and will still be there for them. Answering your children's questions
honestly can help them cope.
Posture
-Use Styrofoam Roll to lay on 15 minutes horizontally and vertically each day
-Use Ma Roller to relieve the levator scapula muscle which pulls our posture forward.
-Use harness when at the computer to pull our shoulders back.
|
|
|
|
