Young Onset Parkinson's Disease and depression

[Wilhelmina_Spankbottom]

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease about when I was 32 years of age. Since it became an issue, I have not been able to hold down a job for longer than 6 months. I have constant bouts of depression, for which my husband's answer is "suck it up". He is a control freak, has kicked me out of the house, and is having an emotional relationship with a once close female family friend and says it's all in my head. I am about to lose it completely. I just don't know what to do.......

[SubduedBlues]

Hey there Wilhelmina Spankbottom, that's a real cool username. A+A+A+ 🙂

My brother used to work with neurological surgeons placing an electronic implant onto the back of people's brains that inhibited the erratic electric pulses that caused people with Parkinsons Disease to shake uncontrollably. That was over a decade ago in the US, so I suspect that technology must be available here in Oz by now. I don't know the name of the device, but I do know it was made by Medtronics. Maybe that can help you regain some normalcy in your life.

Just a thought
SB

[Wilhelmina_Spankbottom]

Thanks SB regarding the name choice! I have recently talked to a number of neurologists about deep brain stimulation surgery, and I thought I that mt progression might be a bit early for the surgery. (Diagnosed 11 years ago with early onset PD). Unsure what to do. Going back to talk to my regular neurologist atvthecend of this month.

[Juliet_84]

Hi Wilhelmena, I'm sorry to hear you've been having difficulties with your job. I too suffer with a chronic medical condition and I also had a cerebellar stroke a few years ago (I'm now 33) so I can sympathize with how hard it can be, particularly when you have to deal with all that added anguish at home. Out of curiosity, what did you used to do for work? I only ask because in the last few years I've had to make work adjustments so that I can work from home etc when I'm unwell which makes life so much easier for me. What things do you find hardest about working? Is it the physical act of being in the office (ie is the travel and getting there hard) or are there other barriers? Is there the possibility of identifying an alternate path that may be more suited to you and your limitations?

[Wilhelmina_Spankbottom]

Hi Juliet.

Thanks for your reply. Don't know if you are aware but Parkinson's Disease effects your cognitive skills for one thing. Making it harder to focus, retain info, etc. My career started as a Microbiologist, when through a few changes, and I have ended up as a body piercer (of all things). My condition's symptoms are fairly well medicated.  I have had to "downskill", because stress makes my symptoms worse.

[demonblaster]

Hi Spank 🙂 yeah loven the name as well

Jeez raw deal for you all round. So sorry to hear that & above posters as well

Jeez rough being kicked out but sounds like a blessing in disguise with hubby, better off without that type of person & attitude, no support or care factor pfffttt.

Understandable to have bouts of depression, I think PD is a cruel one amongst many, yrs ago before I trained (was an EN 1 yr training then) I became quite close & fond of a lovely man with same, one thing I worked out that worked for short periods of time when walking with him with my aid (use to discuss with him what I was doing & why) was to talk assertively focusing ONLY on each step, saying R) foot, L foot or along those lines, he for short periods of time didn't stagger, stumble or shuffle. We use to work different rooms so didn't get to work on it for longer periods of time unfortunately.

Sounds positive re: Subdued Blues electronic implant, I read your reply.

At least here you have support and people that genuinely do care 🙂

Best for all of you.

[Guest_54]

Wilhelmina, the issues you have raised are very common in Parkinson's, around 40% of people living with Parkinson's will get depression and a similar number will have issues with anxiety. Having a chat with your GP and neurologist about treatment options is worthwhile. You can also contact the Parkinson's support line on 1800 644 189 for support from you State Parkinsons organisation.