In Sickness And In Health
By ashley1171
@ashley1171 (109)
United States
August 11, 2009 8:04pm CST
Recently my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson's and it's been really hard on me, trying to understand what it is and how it's deteriorating his brain, and his body.
What do you do when you have someone suffering from a medical problem to help you get through it?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
12 Aug 09
I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather's situation. I'm a nurse and I understand the difficulty your grandfather and your family will face beginning from the day he was diagnosed. But your case is not unique. Many families across the globe have face and still facing this health problem in their lives. I say the best thing you can do is to keep loving your granddad even until the time he won't be able to recognize you. You and your family needs to work together a whole lot, because this disease is really demanding and exhausting. It will help if you will research and learn the most of this disease so you can be effective caregivers to your granddad. Other families made it! I believe you guys can too!
@ashley1171 (109)
• United States
12 Aug 09
He's on many medications that are slowing down the progression of the disease but they are also eating at his brain. He couldn't even remember his own grandkid's name or his daughter's birthday, or even his own. It scares me knowing that I am losing him and I want to do everything I can to enjoy the time I have left with him, and it scares me that there may not be much time. How long does the disease last before it will you know, claim his life?
@beaushell (339)
• Philippines
12 Aug 09
There is no definite answer to your question but you can tell when his body functions are deteriorating. Two of the main areas that you need to watch closely are the activities of his heart and lungs. Once he reach the point that he is having difficulty in breathing... it won't take very long. Your love and touch and even as you speak to him will give him the much comfort he needed... And not to forget your prayers will do more that what you can physically give him. I salute you for being such a caring grandson.
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
12 Aug 09
I have found that I never know what I'm capable of doing until I am up to my armpits in whatever is going on. I have gotten through some challenges in my life that I could not have imagined, the day before they happened. The key is to just focus on your strengths and do your best.
@ashley1171 (109)
• United States
12 Aug 09
I'm trying so hard to do that. I know I should focus on him rather, than what is eating at him. Celebrate him, rather than fear his illness.
