Hand Tremors, Parkinson's, and grace

Ferd_Farkle

I have nobody to talk to so I am just getting this off of my chest. 

My mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia about 7 years ago. She can still do most things but in the past few months her mobility has degenerated drastically. She has had a mild left hand tremor for about a year and recently it has gotten rather bad. I took her for six month check up yesterday and she is in great health except her cognitive functioning and mobility are much worse. Her doctor said she may have Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia. I am taking her to the neurologist to find out what is going on. We talked today and she said she really does not see the need to go see the neurologist but we agreed if some medicine could help her mobility it is worth a shot. She is so at peace with things at the moment. She just goes with the flow. She gets frustrated but then I deflect and on we go. She is an inspiration to me. My Dad passed away from dementia a few years ago. He was my mom's caretaker until he needed a caretaker. My Dad taught me a lot about grace, living and dying. My mom is jsut adding to what I already learned from my dad. The disease is the worst but there are moments that are so pure and untainted by any other thought that the truth comes out. I am afraid to lose my mom but she tells me she has had a very good life and that she is comfortable and content.

God bless you all and thank you for the outlet to tell my feelings.

abc123

Dear Ferd, from what you’ve mentioned about your parents I’d say you were truly blessed in that department. That’s wonderful to hear. Not everyone here can say the same. I’m sorry for the loss of your precious Dad. Dementia is such a cruel disease. I truly hate it.  Please let us know how the appointment with the neurologist goes. You are a good daughter and your doing a good job of caring for your Mom. You are not alone. You have all of us on your side.

jfkoc

Parkinson's and Lewy Body are thought to be under an umbrella separate from the other dementias but are linked together to some degree.

I think you are spot on with going for a neurologist. If you can find one that is a movement specialist go there....it may be an appointment months off or it may not be close but it would be the best choice. 

I would also google both PD and LBD. ...lots of information and each has web site. 

May flowers

Your parents sound like they have been such a blessing to you!

Another thought about tremors is medications. My FIL developed a tremor on Zoloft but it went away when the doc reduced the dose. But obviously the first step is a visit to the neurologist 

zauberflote

Ferd, I know what a blessing it is to have had such parents. Your mom being content is a huge gift.

 By the time my mother developed a hand tremor, we were far beyond doctor visits. The tremor moved on to tremendous random jerks of the whole arm; surprised her every time it happened, which was very often when she went to use it. We'd tell her that sometimes our arms do that, and how about trying the other hand. The whole thing only lasted a few months, and then went away. Maybe the part of her brain that made the jerks happen stopped working too?

Ferd_Farkle

Thank you for the great information and for replying!

There is so much more to all of our stories. I have just been trying to focus on the little blessings so I do not entirely fall off the cliff.

My mom called me last night worried that she is or was on steroids. I told her she is not on steroids and she was so relieved. Apparently she was watching a show about athletes and roid rage. Much better than the calls late at night making sure I am still alive because she thought she left me somewhere.

Thank you again and take care.

Iris L.

Before your appointment you might was to read about essential tremors.  It is part of the differential diagnosis.  

Iris