Elsevier

Geriatric Nursing

Volume 27, Issue 6, November–December 2006, Pages 362-369
Geriatric Nursing

Feature article
Dropping the Bomb: The Experience of Being Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2006.10.012Get rights and content

This qualitative descriptive study examined the advice people with Parkinson’s disease have for someone newly diagnosed. Qualitative content analysis of interview data from 11 persons with Parkinson’s resulted in 1 major theme: “Dropping the Bomb.” This theme signified sorting through the rubble and picking up the pieces of lives shattered by the diagnosis. Four subthemes emerged: Guarded Anticipation, Becoming Informed, Disease Dynamics, and Negotiating with Mr. Parkinson. In planning and implementing interventions, nurses might ease the impact of the diagnosis and the context of the disease if they contextualize their interventions within the preferences of the persons living with it.

Section snippets

Literature Review

As a result of the depletion of the neurochemical dopamine, physical difficulties with the inhibition of impulses, initiation and control of movements, and body posture eventually arise in the course of the illness. Subsequent to progressive physical and sometimes cognitive deterioration, persons with PD experience losses associated with dependency in activities of daily living, curtailment of social activities, changes in employment status, altered self-concept, and lower self-esteem.9, 10

Methodology

The study reported in this article was part of a larger project that explored the effect of PD on the lives of persons with the disease and on those of their care partners, if applicable. Because the emphasis of this study was on the experience of persons with PD, a qualitative descriptive design was used to obtain a comprehensive account of experiences in everyday terms.19 Qualitative descriptive research is based on naturalistic inquiry. The main tenet, therefore, is the study of something in

Theme: “Dropping the Bomb”

One major theme emerged from analysis of the narrative data: “Dropping the Bomb.” Dropping the Bomb signifies the complete havoc experienced by the participants upon receiving the diagnosis of PD. The totality of their circumstances compelled them to sort through the rubble, figuratively speaking, and reconstruct their lives in the context of PD. The poignant words of this participant upon hearing her diagnosis illustrates the major theme of Dropping the Bomb: “when I was diagnosed, I remember

Discussion

This was a study of the advice persons with PD would offer the newly diagnosed. Qualitative description was used to analyze the interview data provided by 11 men and women living with the effects of PD for 6 months to 15 years. Although each participant’s experience was unique, by and large the participants described the time of diagnosis as chaotic, as though a bomb had shattered their lives and tore apart their previous existence. They went on to offer advice on how people newly diagnosed

Acknowledgement

The author would like to thank Alexa Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN and Tracie Harrison, PhD, RN, FNP for their thoughtful review of this manuscript. This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (Grant No. T32NR07107).

LORRAINE J. PHILLIPS, MSN, RN, FNP, is a doctoral student and graduate research assistant at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. She also works as a family nurse practitioner with SunStar Geriatrics, Georgetown, TX

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  • Palliative Care for Parkinson Disease

    2020, Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
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    In this article, the authors focus on primary PC skills relevant to PD, including providing a diagnosis and prognosis with compassion; discussing goals of care; complex symptom management; caregiver support; addressing social, emotional, and spiritual well-being; and discussing hospice (Box 1). There are few events as significant to patients as receiving their PD diagnosis.15 Although physicians may choose to focus on the relatively positive aspects of this diagnosis, namely that medical and other therapies can significantly improve many symptoms, they should not underestimate the potential impact of this diagnosis on patients and their families.

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    Though PD has traditionally been characterized as a motor disorder, the disease burden extends far beyond physical limitations. Diagnosis of PD is a major life transition, and requires adjusting to its multifaceted demands [1]. The impact of disease-related stigma on quality of life is notable [2] and stigmatizing beliefs and experiences are common in PD [3].

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LORRAINE J. PHILLIPS, MSN, RN, FNP, is a doctoral student and graduate research assistant at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing. She also works as a family nurse practitioner with SunStar Geriatrics, Georgetown, TX

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