Finding out that you have Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a life-changing development. Everyone receives this news differently, with most people experiencing a combination of emotions ranging from a sense of relief that eases the wondering, to uncertainty and frustration, among others.
Regardless of your age or circumstances, a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis will alter certain aspects of your life. It can feel overwhelming to know where to go next. First, you should allow yourself time and space to process the news, both emotionally and mentally. Then, you’ll want to set out to learn as much as you can about PD. The more information you have, the more capable you’ll be when it comes to making decisions about treatments. Here are three guiding points to help you move forward.
Share the News on your Terms.
Some people are comfortable being open with their friends and colleagues about their PD. Others prefer to keep it private at first. The decision is ultimately yours to make, but if you choose to continue working as symptoms progress, discussing your PD can stop rumors in their tracks and allow you to take control of your narrative. Plus, sharing your diagnosis with your employer might help them better understand missed workdays for doctor’s appointments and so forth.
Work with Trusted Medical Professionals.
Not all doctors approach PD management in the same way. If your provider hastily prescribes something and ushers you out of the office without discussing your symptoms and a tailored management plan, consider looking for someone else. Many neurologists specialize in PD care, and you can also work with other specialists including nurses and therapists, to have a comprehensive healthcare team on your side.
Some may seek alternative options like regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s Disease. These therapies can encompass the use of stem cells, which have the potential to replace many different cell types, including those in the brain which become compromised by neurodegenerative disorders.
Create a Strong Support System.
In addition to your healthcare professionals, you’ll also want to build a network of people in your life to whom you can turn when you need some support. It’s best not to rely on one individual alone, such as a spouse, as this can put considerable pressure on your loved one. While your immediate family can and should be there for you, many people with PD also take comfort in joining support groups, either online or in person. There, they can share the woes, frustrations, and even triumphs of their condition with others who have firsthand experience.
No matter how you choose to manage your PD after your diagnosis, you have more options than ever before. Many patients now go on to lead a fulfilling life long after finding out they have PD, especially with the help of comprehensive disease management strategies.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa. Regenerative medicine seeks to replace tissue or organs that have been damaged by disease, trauma, or congenital issues.
