Thread by @existentialswag

I don't normally post this kinda stuff & don't want pity, but I've been caring for my Mum. She's 63, my Dad died when I was 15 @ 62. She almost passed late last year, has diabetes, heart problems, spinal fusion surgery, cirrhosis and about 5 months ago was dx'd w Parkinson's

When she almost passed it was because she developed a rare type of cyst (liver cyst) after surgical tooth removal. They almost couldn't stop the bleeding. I slept in bed w her for a month or two, they didn't give her blood @ the hospital & was anemic so got iron infusions

It was somewhat embarrassing as a 28/29 yr old to be sleeping with my Mum, but I couldn't risk anything. A day after the first iron infusion I heard her scream and a bang in her ensuite. She had fallen and broken her tailbone.

It will never heal properly but surgery is too risky. She almost passed and I saw her on the verge of death first the last time she had surgery due to the bleeding. I was worried already, thinking she had early-onset dementia

Then, when I took her to the Doctor's, she mentioned afterwards, as if the Doctor considered it a possibility, that they were looking into Parkinson's. We'd already travelled to test for MS & other things.

A few days later, as we were seeing my new niece (she's adorable btw) she broke into tears and said she'd been diagnosed. The doctor was qualified and had brain scans. I didn't realize she had been diagnosed, just thought it was a possibility.

We had to call the ambulance when she had the liver cyst as she had been coughing up clotted blood and couldn't sleep for 3 days. My Mum is incredibly stubborn and dismissive when it comes to her health (I wonder where I get it from between her and my Dad, haha)

I guess my main point is that seeing your parent, at a relatively early age, let alone anyone, struggle with Parkinson's is such an emotional and hard thing to go through, let alone how they must feel. I forgot to mention; Dad died of a heart attack and yes my parents are old

I wouldn't have it any other way. My Father was a flawed man in regards to his anger and likely mental health condition(s) but brilliant and wise, my Mum is the kindest, most easygoing person I've known and both of them were unique and incredibly tasteful

But FUCK Parkinson's. Seeing my Mum break when she gets too emotional/worked up, her shaking, the medication, how it's affected her ability to do ANYTHING, is something that hurts in ways you couldn't imagine. While I prepare for my future I'm grateful.

Grateful to be able to be here for her. Grateful I convinced her to get a puppy. Grateful to experience as much as I can with her while it's possible. Sometimes it is a strain on my own mental health and situation. I was out of home @ 18.

Anyways, FUCK Parkinson's, I hope research continues being promising, love your parents while you can. If you know someone with Parkinson's, Shrinking was a great show for her to come to terms with it. I unashamedly love my Mum and am grateful for the time I get to spend w her

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