Huntington's Disease

[Guest]

My husband was diagnosed with huntingtons about 7 years ago. He is getting much, much worse, but refuses to go to a doctor. He is starting to get violent and out of control. I don't know what to do. Being at this point in the disease, is there any way of knowing how much longer he may live or should he be hospitalized? Life is so stressful, constantly, that I am afraid that I can't take it much longer and he has no one else to care for him. I need so much more information about this disease and caring for him, but since he refuses to see a doctor, where do I go from here? Help, please.

[Guest]

I am very sorry your husband is so sick. It is difficult for me to know what his short term prognosis will be. It sounds like you need help at home to assure his safety and yours. I would plan to speak with his doctor and social service help in your medical community. Discussion about nursing homes or other living situations would be important at this juncture, or having the help at home that you need should be addressed.
[quote] My husband was diagnosed with huntingtons about 7 years ago. He is getting much, much worse, but refuses to go to a doctor... [/quote]

[jahn]

Depending on where you live, if he is mentally incompetant you can get an order and make him go to the doctor. Afetr the schock, awe and numbness wore off when my husband was first diagnosed , we made sure that all of our paperwork was in order and legal for both states we claim residence. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE for your own sake, make sure you seek help from a doctor familiar with H.D. I can't stress this enough. As the disease is coming into the mainstream still many doctors are unaware of how to treat patients or even how to correctly medicate them.