Hubby has Parkinson's, and is at a stage where he will argue about anything! He is in wheelchair, and can't really get around by himself. Sleeps on & off all day in his chair. Somedays, he is so hurtful to his care taker! Hope the next stage won't be as bad! Are there any meds that can calm him down. He was a very loving caring, and this stage is very hurtful. Any and all help would be grateful.
Parkinson's patients can be tricky to medicate as there are some typical medications that are given that can NOT be given to people with Parkinson's.
Generally, each stage is worse. His is more of autonomic dysfunction so all organs are being destroyed and in last year constant hospitalizations due to infections.
This year the worst one so far, I thought he was not going to make it.
But he was never mean and always rather stoic.
He sleeps more in chair as well and has about 40 other symptoms.
I am sorry. Your hubby probably will not be better.
What to expect:
Gradual changes in movement, balance, speech, cognition, and mood
Symptoms fluctuate—good days and harder days
Medication effectiveness may change over time
What helps most:
Early and ongoing PT, OT, and speech therapy
Daily movement and rhythm-based activities
Support for caregiver strain (this is critical)
Caregiver truth:
Parkinson’s is not just a motor disease—it’s a whole-family journey. Outcomes improve when caregivers are supported, not depleted.
This is horrid, horrible, cruel disease with so many unknowns.
Pt and other therapies worked until they did not.
My husband was always very active and exercised two hours per day, along with skiing, rollerblading, playing hockey and doing every marathon. He was a runner, biker, hiker.
And now he can barely go to nearest bench 30-40 steps.
I let him do whatever he prefers. I do not expect miraculously getting better.
It is best to face reality.
My husband suffered significant brain damage from a stroke 11 years ago. He has not gotten better or worse. But he does get very anxious and frustrated. It's so sad to see this once loving, kind man become mean, uncaring, and swat away anyone who comes near enough to touch him for personal cares and vitals check.
There are some anti-anxiety meds you can try, if the doctor recommends; such as xanax or citalopram (an anti-depressant). Caution: those are habit-forming, meaning if he takes them regularly for a period of time, he will begin to crave the medication sooner and in larger doses, which can cause more anxiety.
I don't know if any of these are appropriate for Parkinsons, or if there is another medication specifically designed to manage Parkinson's symptoms. Ask the doctor.
I would understand that there comes a time when it is no longer possible for family and loved ones to render care when what is needed is several shifts of caregivers with several caregivers on each shift.
It is almost certainly time now for placement. This should be lovingly explained. There will be tears, possibly rage, and that is normal. This is a horrible loss and it is worth mourning. I am so sorry.
Best of luck with a difficult situation.