[Roy]

My hubby has also suffered with constipation issues. He has finally found a regiment that works for him, so I’ll share it in hopes it helps others. First, water is of utmost importance. We live in Florida, so staying hydrated is a must. Adding in the constipation issue just adds to the mix. Next, a piece of fruit with each meal, at least, per day. Add a cup of Smooth Move tea each evening. Two 30 minute walks each day, for more reasons than just the constipation. A half cup of unsalted, mixed nuts each day. A Docusate (stool softener) each day, as prescribed by his neurologist. It took a couple years to find the right amount of food/meds to make for regular, fairly quick, and painless bowel movements. Previous to that, it took up to a whole 24 hour day to pass “the plug” that then allowed enormous amounts of stool to follow. We hope that this may help someone that is still struggling with constipation.

[Roy]

Roy’s first step toward a diagnosis of PD was twice fainting from Orthostatic Hypotension.  He worked at a home hardware store and had been experiencing lightheadedness and dizziness when he stood up and moved quickly at work, or when he bent over to pick up product from the floor. For years, he had been running a machine to place product on upper shelves. He began feeling anxious and woozy about using this machine. He was noticing his arm strength, especially on his left side, would give out on him.   Then, after bending over one night to flush the toilet, he fell right back and passed out. He jumped right back up, walked into the bedroom and passed out again, hitting his head on the floor again. After an OH diagnosis, I began an internet search, along with one of Roy’s sons, as we didn’t know much about it. Individually, we ended up researching PD. We both came to the conclusion that Roy was experiencing many symptoms of PD.  He had the left side weakness, leg cramps, head forward gait, slight drag on the left leg, quiet voice volume, shaking when using heavier tools, lack of a smile, and arms (esp. the left) that stay stationary when walking. He also had dreams that were so real to him that he would yell, punch, grab and even fall out of bed while he re-enacted his dream in our bed. These had been going on for 15+ years. His son and I then began asking his PPC to look at PD and he referred us to a wonderful neurologist that diagnosed him.  The whole process of diagnosis took 4 years because a bout with cancer of the tonsil took front seat for about 2 years.

[Roy]

My hubby was diagnosed with PD in 2017. He was already retired, but I was still working as a teacher. My days would start at 6:50 and I did not return home until 4 or 5 o’clock, with paperwork to do in the evenings. In addition, I was caring for my elderly parents who were living in an Assisted Living facility. By January of 2019, both parents had passed and my husband had too many days where he wasn’t safe at home alone. So, I decided to retire a bit earlier than I had expected. Due to RLS, there are a few days per month that we sleep only a few hours a night. Retiring has allowed me to rest up after nights like this rather than running myself ragged. I have become the sole driver, as it isn’t safe for him to be behind the wheel anymore. I must be with him in a doctor’s office, as he is easily confused with directions or instructions. His anxiety can keep us from going certain places. I try to encourage him with reassurances that if he becomes uncomfortable, we will leave. The biggest problem with that relates to his struggles with constipation. It can take him an entire day with multiple trips to the bathroom before he can find relief. For all of these symptoms, he takes medicines, supplements, teas, lots of fiber and exercise. My new full time job is making sure I am there to support his physical, mental, and emotional health. I feel okay with this new normal because I am so lucky to have had him on my life. It is my time to give to him.