Should I know the progression of end stage Parkinson’s? Some people want to know what is around the corner and some don’t. I don’t know if I want to know everything. I do and I don’t.
What do you see as advantages of knowing? Are there advantages of not knowing or should I just cross bridges when I get to them?
I have read some things on Parkinson’s website or WebMD but diseases can vary from person to person and I get confused. Her doctor does tell me things as I ask him but mom is always present and he may not want to frighten her. I don’t want to frighten her. Should I ask him to explain over the phone instead of in person?
Can a doctor kind of know when it’s close to the end stages or when a person is close to death? The ‘waiting game’ creates a lot of anxiety. How do you all cope with watching someone suffer in the end stages of a disease? My dad died in 2002 after heart problems and a stroke and it was different.
I believe it was written by specialists from UCLA at the movement disorders clinic.
Knowledge can actually decrease fear and allow you to be better prepared for all possibilities, some of which never happen.
Knowledge can help you accurately report changes to the doctor so meds or treatment can be adjusted, which may happen frequently in some. Keep in mind, that some patients rally, just when we imagine the worst. This can even happen in the course of a day.
Not every Parkinson's patient is the same, not all experience the same symptoms and not all progress at the same rate.
I really appreciate this information and do understand that I would reduce my anxiety if I feel more prepared. Hadn’t quite looked at it that way.