77 years old, always been active, PTSD sufferer, right hip broken twice, femur as well. Tendonitis. bursitis, just to name a few. Just recently, been diagnosed with Parkinsons. Given medication. Need advice on what best steps to take, as I am always on the move and have been told to slow down. Any positive advice would be greatly appreciated.
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.
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.
Keep on Keeping on
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.
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.
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.