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You have just been diagnosed. You tread out of the doctors in a state of shock. You have a mountain of queries, but your next appointment isn’t for a while yet. What can you do?
There are several things you could do to understand and come to terms with your new diagnosis before your next doctor’s appointment.
However, if possible, try to get your appointment as soon as possible. Ensure you bring a loved one, who can assist you in asking the right questions and taking notes for you.
YOURmeds Top Tips for Your New Parkinson’s Diagnosis:
Find a support group
Build your support system around you. Having other people involved in your support network can reduce the stress on everyone involved and gives you more option. It may also help to connect with people in a similar situation to you with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
You can search for local groups here, just type in your town or postcode.
The groups welcome family members and carers and allow you to talk and discuss worries and experiences. Some groups also hold social events.
Exercise
Exercise has been proven to be the most effective way to combat the effects of PD.
If exercise is something that you already do regularly then well-done! You are on the right track.
Now see if you can increase your activity level, it is recommended that you build in at least 2.5 hours of exercise a week, it can be hard but the more that you can push yourself the better your results will be.
But, if you have not been exercising, slowly ease yourself into it. The best exercises for example are the ones that work the whole body like gym sessions, running, cycling, tennis, circuit training or boot camp classes.
There are some great exercise videos online check out this video, specific for people with Parkinson’s Experiment with different exercises and find one that you enjoy (If you don’t like the exercise, you probably won’t do it!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AvLz59Yk_Y
Get Out and About
Loneliness is one of the top causes of speedy decline with PD.
One thing you can do is join a Parkinson’s support group; this may not seem appealing to you at first but give it a go.
There are so many different types of support groups, and you could find new friends who also have PD that may become your support network.
Be Honest
You don’t have to tell everyone you know instantly. But try to avoid the temptation to completely hide your diagnosis.
However, It’s crucial to your long-term well-being for you to be open with your loved ones.
If you haven’t already started to, set some regular times aside to chat with your loved ones about how everything is progressing and what you can both do to support each other.
If you have young children, it may be beneficial for you to explain to them that PD is not contagious and that they didn’t cause it which is a common fear that a lot of children have when their parents become ill.
You should stress that you are still the same Mum or Dad you have always been. Also, make sure that these are ongoing conversations that you have with them.
Track Your Symptoms
Pay attention to your body and how it reacts to medications and other treatments, in addition to how you feel during the day or after specific activities.
This is super important because as you start new medications and new doses. It will be down to you to tell your doctor what’s working and what isn’t.
Keeping a drug diary is a good way of keeping track!
Keeping a drug diary
You will need to report back to your doctor about how your body is responding to the medication you are taking.
A good way to do this is by keeping a drug diary. This can be done simply, with a notebook and a pencil.
Take this diary with you to every doctor’s visit. Here is what to record:
- Warning signs. Write down any new experience, from a headache to mild diarrhoea to hives to anaphylactic shock. Ask your care partner to jot down any side effects he or she notices.
- Changes to your meds. Whenever your doctor adds or withdraws a medication or changes a dose, enter that information into your diary.
- A list of medicines. Keep an updated list of everything you are taking, including supplements, along with specific dosages.
Take Your Meds on Time
For any condition, including PD, you must take the correct dose of meds at the right time.
If medication is not taken as prescribed the benefit of the given med will be limited, this may result in your health seeing a steeper decline.
YOURmeds simple solution can support and monitor you taking your meds in real-time ensuring you are receiving the benefits of your medication without any adverse effects.
Using YOURmeds will give your loved ones peace of mind knowing that you are medicating correctly, reducing their stress levels and will assist you to remain independent in your own home for longer.
Do you have any questions?
