Houston Chronicle

Sharing news of diagnosis difficult for Parkinson’s patient.

- Andrews McMeel Syndicatio­n

Dear Abby:

I’m an active, 60-something wife and grandmothe­r who was recently diagnosed with earlystage Parkinson’s disease. From all outward appearance­s, I appear healthy and I’m living my life as normally as possible, as my neurologis­t suggested.

My symptom manifests as a right-sided hand tremor that I try to hide as much as possible. Covering my hand with a napkin in a restaurant, sliding it under my leg or putting it into my pocket has worked so far to prevent the tremors from being noticed. This is not going to work for long.

My immediate family members are aware of my condition, but I haven’t told extended family, friends or acquaintan­ces about my situation. I become very emotional when discussing it and break down and cry. Can you suggest how to broach this subject and when to tell others about my condition? Hiding as Much as I Can Dear Hiding: I’m sorry about your difficult diagnosis, but I hope you have done some research and are comforted that there have been advances in the treatment of your illness. We both know that at some point a sharp-eyed friend or relative will notice the tremor and ask about it. That’s why I think it’s important you be proactive about what’s going on. However, if you would prefer to be spared tearful conversati­ons you would rather avoid, ask one of your loved ones to let the others know.

Dear Abby:

My sister “Alexa” is a narcissist. I realized it a long time ago. My mother is in denial, and she continues to push me to have a relationsh­ip with her. Speaking to Alexa is emotionall­y draining. Every time she’s mentioned, I get flashbacks about the ways she abused me. Being in the same room with her is uncomforta­ble. The saving grace is that we live a thousand miles apart, and I’m not forced to interact with her daily.

She’s getting married next year and wants me and my children to be in the wedding. I accepted because I felt obligated, but I just can’t do it anymore. I don’t want to do it anymore! After all the years of her abuse and torment, I just want to be free. The problem: I finally put my foot down and told Alexa not to contact me again. Am I being selfish? Selfish in the East Dear Selfish:

I don’t think so. However, because you accepted that responsibi­lity before telling her not to contact you again, you should contact her and ask if she has changed her plans about you and your children being in her wedding. However, if she hasn’t, be upfront with her now so your sister will have time to replace you in her wedding party.

DearAbby.com Dear Abby P.O. Box 69440 Los Angeles, CA 90069

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ABBY

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