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For me, being a care partner is an extension of the wedding vows that Christie and I took over 38 years ago:“ In sickness and in health.” You may not understand it at the time you say it, but this is what it means. Taking care of someone in their final years is one of the most loving things you can do.
Prentis Brooks
Tips to Keep Your Romantic Relationship Strong
+ Talk about feelings and needs. You and your loved one may feel sadness, grief, anger and other emotions about relationship changes. Discuss not only your feelings but also your relationship— how it is now and how you’ d like it to be. As in any relationship, each partner may have different wants and needs related to emotional and physical closeness.
+ Find new ways to share intimacy. Sex isn’ t just sexual intercourse, and intimacy isn’ t just sexual activity. It’ s affection, shared laughter, meaningful conversation and simply being present with one another. Get creative: Express your love and connect in new and unique ways.
+ Schedule sexual activity around symptoms. Plan intimacy like you would any other important activity. Aim for times your loved one is typically“ on,” when symptoms are lowest and medication is most effective. Also consider symptoms like fatigue or apathy, which often worsen later in the day, for optimal timing. medications called dopamine agonists( which act like dopamine in the brain), may experience impulse-control side effects, including increased sex drive or interest. This can lead to a mismatch in desire between partners. Know about potential side effects and talk with your loved one’ s doctor at the earliest sign.
+ Ask health care providers for help. Your loved one’ s Parkinson’ s doctor or mental health therapist can help with sexual symptoms and resulting relationship changes. They can add or adjust medications and refer you to couples counseling, a sex therapist or a pelvic health specialist who can address specific issues relating to sexual function.
+ Expand your definition of intimacy. For some people who are later in Parkinson’ s, sexual activity may no longer be possible. This may bring a sense of loss, grief or loneliness. A therapist can help process these feelings. Your definition of intimacy may change: Love and connection, and how you express them, will look different. You and your partner may bond more through non-sexual or non-intimate touch, or through shared time and quiet moments together.
+ Manage medication side effects. Some people with Parkinson’ s experience dyskinesia, or extra movement, which can increase with excitement or stress and interfere with closeness. Others, who take
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