Parkinson's; Need advice on what best steps to take, as I am always on the move and have been told to slow down.

I would tell you to keep moving, but more carefully and with "intention". Try some mindfulness exercises.
I am 78. Here's what I have notices as the balance becomes poor, the ladder an object of fear, and what I have notices from my career as a nurse.
The best thing on earth is a senior who wants to keep moving. I had so many patients who would NOT do bedrest even in those days when it was recommended (it seldom is now). They would tell me "I can't stop. You don't understand. I have arthritis (bad back, bad feet, bad knees, whatever) and if I stop I will never get oiled up and started again".
Mindfulness keeps you "IN THE MOMENT". It encourages moving with intention and staying in the moment. It doesn't have a senior on a ladder thinking about what to cook for dinner. It keeps you in the moment, understanding limitations of exercise and movement. There will be on line exercise programs. Look for them. There is a SPECIAL need for you (and for me) to do balance exercises. We lose our sense of balance with age normally, more so with Parkinson's. There are many balance exercises that have helped me enormously. I used to do them waiting for the bus and you remind me now that covid prevents my bus riding to start doing them again at home.
Wishing you good luck.
TRUST ME, being one who doesn't want to stop is going to serve you WELL if you learn to do it carefully and with mindfulness and intent.

I had a friend who was diagnosed with Parkinsons a few years ago.
She was diabetic and had heart issues with a pacemaker or Defibulator. I think she had Parkinsons prior to the diagnoses. But what I found is she tried to do more than she was capable of. She broke her femur from a fall at home. She had fallen out of two cars because she didn't wait for help. She had a stoop outside her apt where she had a chair. We came to pick her up and before we got to her she was standing up and waving her walker in her left hand. I was sure she was going to fall. So, be aware of your limitations. Don't allow them to stop you from doing but know that there are certain things you will need help with and accept that help. My friend was 5ft 10in tall and weighed over 200#s. I am 5ft tall. Because she fell out of 2 cars twice, I stopped taking her to lunch. There was no way that I could help her get out of the car even.

I was told by a man whose wife suffered from Parkinson's that people who have it when they fall the tend to fall backwards not frontwards which is normal. He had a special walker that helped to prevent this.

From your post, I don't see you being someone who will not keep on the move. And that is a plus. A school mate of mine, know 71, was diagnosed 25 years ago. His effected his speech early on. He coached till he couldn't but still showed up for all the games home and away. He comes to our class luncheons and reunions. Friends make sure he gets out. Yes, it is now taking its tole but he kept active as long he possibly could. So take things as they come. Know when you need help. Use that walker when the time comes just don't let this diagnoses keep you from doing.

Do things within you abilities and limits. The saying move it or lose it does fit the case. My husband is diagnosed with Parkinson's, sitting and relaxing is not part of his lifestyle either. However, he has to watch for movements or actions that cause him to lose his balance. Check with your doctor of activities and exercises for your stage of Parkinsons. My husband takes Gocovri as part of his treatment plan, without it, he is unable to walk at all.

Keep on Keeping on

Recently diagnosed "Parkie" here with my advice....there is a LOT of information about PD (Parkinson's Disease) available for free. Best organizations I've found are the Parkinson's Foundation (1 800 4 PD INFO) with a live person to talk to, tons of written material and a special Aware in Care kit to use if you are hospitalized; Michael J Fox Foundation for research, and the Davis Phinney Foundation for info and uplifting inspiration. If at all possible go to a Movement Disorder Specialist which is a neurologist who has addition training and specializes in Parkinson's and other similar diseases, not just a general neurologist. Big difference in my personal opinion. There are a ton of videos in YouTube about exercise specifically for PD, as well as wonderful informational videos. There are "motor " and "nonmotor" symptoms of PD, the usual tremors, stiffness, slowness and balance issues (which are what are seen by others) and a LOT of not so obvious issues that are common like constipation, apathy, sleep disorders, and many more. There are support groups (virtual these days), specific exercises and exercise classes for PD but not currently in person due to Covid, so Rock Steady Boxing and aquatic group sessions may still not be available for months. Exercise is THE # 1 thing that will be of benefit. Try to get all the therapy sessions you can for physical, occupational and speech, especially if you can get therapists who deal primarily with neurological issues. Find out about LSVT (vocal exercises to keep your voice strong and audible. Become an activist to prevent chemical pollution that may be causing the huge surge in PD. Consider joining a clinical trial and get registered in the Parkinson's Foundation's PDGENERation free genetic testing and counseling program. It's all a lot to deal with, but go to the organizations for really good help, and then hang on...it's going to be a bumpy ride. And PS...get your legal affairs in order ASAP.

Your fighting spirit well help you. Keep doing all the balance exercises you are given, and keep moving as much as you can. Stay positive and fight for as long as you can. Follow Stacy's advice and your occupational therapists advice on how to structure your home environment.

Aquatic exercises are good for PD. I would check the local scedule for local classes.

So, in my opinion your next step is to make sure your house is safe. Install grab bars, get a walk in shower or bath chair, etc. Pick up rugs off the floor as they are a trip hazard. Make sure you have proper equipment such as a walker. Your doctor can have PT and OT do an assessment.

Hi refusal
You might like to check out this boxing class to see if it’s in your area. I have an aunt who has Parkinson’s. Cousin took her to the classes for several years along with uncle. They really enjoyed it.
https://www.rocksteadyboxing.org/find-a-class/
i hope they have one in your area.

Stay strong and as active as you can. Don’t lose muscle mass.

My mom has Parkinson’s. She did occupational therapy and physical therapy.

There are specific exercises that help with balance and strength.

Go on Amazon (exercise section) and buy rubber bands for arms, portable pedal bike that can be placed on your table top to operate with your arms, hand putty to squeeze in your hands. Mom’s physical therapist bought all of their supplies from Amazon.

Please seek therapy for your PTSD.

Check what resources are available to help assist you in your daily life. VA, Council on Aging, churches that have ministries to aid those needing help in the community, etc.

Best wishes to you.

Depending on where and when the service was the Parkinson’s MIGHT be considered a “service connected disability “ and if so you could get a LOT of help through the VA. Please contact Veterans Assistance Commission or the VA to determine your benefits. The VA is now starting to also recognize “Blue Water” service connected disabilities so if you were denied previously check again. The VA is also starting to pay spouses to care for Veterans that served in Vietnam and prior to that.