I know that I have written about the importance of accompanying your Person with Parkinson’s to all of their appointments so you can be ready to support them in their journey, but I don’t think I have mentioned that it can actually lead to a better life for you. This happened recently for us when  I stumbled across a new treatment for things that had been troubling me for ages. Bowel issues are a constant in Parkinson’s and constipation is something I struggle with too, thanks to a faulty thyroid gland. I also learned recently that I inherited high cholesterol from my mother. At a recent visit with a member of my husband’s medical team, he was told to try Psyllium Fiber for his digestion. In my search for the best Psyllium options I found that not only is it good for him it is also good for what ails me. It has been proven to help with chronic constipation and lowers high cholesterol. So, we’re both using it daily with pretty good results so far.

In the past I have mentioned that my husband’s diagnosis encourages me to plan and cook healthier meals and to exercise more. We work to incorporate these into our daily life and it definitely makes a difference. A visit to get blood work done earlier this week also reminded both of us of the importance of hydration. The phlebotomist was having a difficult time drawing his blood and mentioned that it was really thick. We both ramped up our water consumption that same day.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of this disease but in the long run, which PD is turning out to be, we are both more health conscious than ever before. I know that I am aging better thanks to suggestions for him from his medical team. One thing I hope his doctors understand is that his care is dependent on my health. Whenever they can share something that is good for both of us it’s a real bonus. I need to remember to mention this and thank each of them for the support they give me at his next appointment. Perhaps they’ll do it more?