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

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.