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Question: My partner had a stroke in 2009 and is disabled with a large clot in his brain. He has now been diagnosed with parkinson's disease and has deterioriated. I want to know if these medical issues will shorten his lifespan. He is only 60. If this is so we will travel and make the most of now rather than me return to work. Our dr/s do not give me a straight answer. They are very good and shake their head but avoid any useful information. I know no one can say 3-5 years or 10-15 years left. I realise that but we would like to plan for the future. to return to work or take the time to travel now rather than later. He had limited movement and is very forgetful. Will he likely make it to 70 or is it unlikely. It's not a shock for me as I have cared for him over the last 6 years. I think I've seem the worst and cried the most. Some idea would really help.
Brief Answer:
If treated both conditions, he can live another 10 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Parkinson disease doesn't cause death itself, but can shorten lifespan due to movement restrictions especially in comorbidity with other diseases.
If treated correctly Parkinson disease lasts more than 20 years.
The problem is with the brain stroke, a important thing is whether the cause of brain clot is resolved or not. In other words is an heart condition ( fibrillation, high blood pressure ) connected and resolved or not.
If stroke and heart condition are controlled, Parkinson disease is treated easily especially in first stages. So, in my opinion could have another 10 years survival.
If not controlled well heart condition (fibrillation, hypertension) the future is unpredictable.
Deciding to turn to work or to travel, should be weighted regarding to above mentioned issues.
Hope I helped you. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
If treated both conditions, he can live another 10 years.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Parkinson disease doesn't cause death itself, but can shorten lifespan due to movement restrictions especially in comorbidity with other diseases.
If treated correctly Parkinson disease lasts more than 20 years.
The problem is with the brain stroke, a important thing is whether the cause of brain clot is resolved or not. In other words is an heart condition ( fibrillation, high blood pressure ) connected and resolved or not.
If stroke and heart condition are controlled, Parkinson disease is treated easily especially in first stages. So, in my opinion could have another 10 years survival.
If not controlled well heart condition (fibrillation, hypertension) the future is unpredictable.
Deciding to turn to work or to travel, should be weighted regarding to above mentioned issues.
Hope I helped you. I remain at your disposal for further questions or clarifications.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
The stroke was due to a hole in the heart with a blot clot going to the right side of his brain and leaving his left side with limited movement. the hole in heart was closed with an op in St Vincent's 6 months after his stroke. His Parkinson's in in 2nd stage with tremors and shaking , he does not know he is shaking, his face has a blank expression and his movements slow hand shuffling. His is increasingly forgetful and confused but has times of clarity and being 'with it' then off to himself. he has deteriorated over the last two years. He eats will and I have a physio come once a week to help him with his stiff left side. He has a 20 year history of OCD and depression but has reduced the depression medication in the last year because it makes him more sleepy and slow. He seems 'happier' lately with me not working so much. As we are not independently wealthy I'm weighing up options of the next few years. Does this information add to your answer??
What is comorbidity with other diseases?
Thank you for you honest and direct response. It is not easy dealing with medical questions that seen abrupt and morbid. I feel that we should travel and make the most of the next 5 year before and more bad news. Is the other info g=helpful.? Does it make a broad prediction possible? What should I look out for with his health? Are there things that negatively interfere with parkinson's? food, places etc
Is 10 years a minimun or a maximun expectation? Yes these are abrupt and difficult questions and yes this is an online open blog but your honest expertise would greatly assist our familty.
I comprehend the disclamer for this advice.
What is comorbidity with other diseases?
Thank you for you honest and direct response. It is not easy dealing with medical questions that seen abrupt and morbid. I feel that we should travel and make the most of the next 5 year before and more bad news. Is the other info g=helpful.? Does it make a broad prediction possible? What should I look out for with his health? Are there things that negatively interfere with parkinson's? food, places etc
Is 10 years a minimun or a maximun expectation? Yes these are abrupt and difficult questions and yes this is an online open blog but your honest expertise would greatly assist our familty.
I comprehend the disclamer for this advice.
Brief Answer:
Detailed answers below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX and thanks for asking back.
Clarifications you made, make my opinion easier, I will try to clarify every your concern.
Clot passing through heart hole means clot originated in legs.
Closing heart hole means clots ( if not treated) could pass in pulmonary circulation and cause pulmonary thromboembolism, a serious life threatening condition.
Stage II Parkinson's it's not so bad, treatment (Levodopa) assures several years of good disease control.
Movement and physical therapy are vital for your partner's condition,preventing clot formation and improving OCD.
Comorbidity means a new disease featuring on a previously diseased patient.
Ten years survival is an approximation, we Doctors don't know everything, we keep referring to approximated studies.
Every patient has its own characteristics and its own disease pathway progression.
Regarding to Parkinson's treatment, it is indispensable drug treatment correlated to psychological wellbeing, there are no strict constrictions about diet.
If he is "happier" with you not working and you feel you have to travel, just go for it.
We can make only predictions, but can't decide our fates.
Hope I've been helpful. If you have further questions, feel free to ask, if not, you can close the conversation and rate the answer.
Wishing both of you good health.
Detailed answers below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX and thanks for asking back.
Clarifications you made, make my opinion easier, I will try to clarify every your concern.
Clot passing through heart hole means clot originated in legs.
Closing heart hole means clots ( if not treated) could pass in pulmonary circulation and cause pulmonary thromboembolism, a serious life threatening condition.
Stage II Parkinson's it's not so bad, treatment (Levodopa) assures several years of good disease control.
Movement and physical therapy are vital for your partner's condition,preventing clot formation and improving OCD.
Comorbidity means a new disease featuring on a previously diseased patient.
Ten years survival is an approximation, we Doctors don't know everything, we keep referring to approximated studies.
Every patient has its own characteristics and its own disease pathway progression.
Regarding to Parkinson's treatment, it is indispensable drug treatment correlated to psychological wellbeing, there are no strict constrictions about diet.
If he is "happier" with you not working and you feel you have to travel, just go for it.
We can make only predictions, but can't decide our fates.
Hope I've been helpful. If you have further questions, feel free to ask, if not, you can close the conversation and rate the answer.
Wishing both of you good health.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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