Frustration

Anyone with Parkinson's, chronic illness or other disability; feeling frustrated when one can no longer do things one used to, is perfectly understandable. Sometimes simply getting dressed is an accomplishment for me, particularly if just out of the shower. Having Parkinson's, it's no mean feat putting clothes on when I'm still damp. Needing to buy things or getting a task done at home, if unable to complete by myself, the enormous frustration is exasperating. I needed a roll of wide cello tape, and as silly and minimal as this may sound, it had been on my "to do list" for a few weeks. I hate asking for help, and was not about to bother anyone with such a small request, yet I had little opportunity to get anywhere to purchase it myself. Thankfully the other day, I was out with someone and able to drop into a store - so now I have cello tape! To an able bodied person this probably sounds pathetic, and maybe you cannot understand, but anyone who is house bound, and needs to get something done, or purchase an item, no matter how small, I'm sure is able to relate to what I'm saying. When my husband and daughter arrive home, they are sometimes bombarded (unintentionally on my part), with a flurry of requests from me, that may appear of no importance to them. The fact that I have to ask for help at all is horrendous, for I was once so capable, but now there are many things I cannot do by myself. My requests often end up sounding urgent, for unknown to my family, I may have been struggling to complete something for days, and the exasperation and feelings of inadequacy have quietly been building up. However this is no excuse to take out my frustrations on those I love the most. I have an incredible understanding husband, who would give me the sun and the moon if he could, and has the patience of a saint, but on occasion, I'm sure I must drive him up the wall. Good communication is therefore vital in understanding each other, and our sense of humour, that thankfully we both seem to have plenty of, keeps us going.