Accepting Diagnosis

Diagnosis affects people in different ways. For the sufferer, diagnosis is very personal, and one can understandably be selfish to some degree, consumed with thoughts of symptoms, possible medications and life changing prognosis. The caregiver has a slightly different agenda of worries and concerns, as the unexpected task of ‘caring’ with its additional responsibilities,  how the disease will affect daily life of the entire family, can weigh very heavily, and in some cases bring events to a breaking point. Honest and open dialogue between parties is vital, and if necessary a third party such as a social worker or therapist should be brought into the picture. Having a support system in place, such as family and friends, doctors, support groups, and being educated about the disease lightens the load considerably on both sufferer and carer. I think attitude is one of the most important factors, keeping positive, actively making the best out of such circumstances, eases the situation to some degree. Parkinson’s or any chronic debilitating disease is something one would never imagine happening to you or your family, and when suddenly slapped in the face with diagnosis, the immense reality of it all comes thundering down. It can be hard to come to terms with, bringing out emotions such as denial, anger, frustration, guilt and knowing life will never be quite the same again. It’s not an easy process to go through, but just know you are not alone.