Hi,

I'm Marco, in the UK.


I came across your group while searching the web for info on PD. I was
diagnosed 4/93 and took early retirement 8/96. I am almost 52. I started a
monotherapy of Pergolide 2/99 and by that summer started driving again. I
will never forget July 2nd when I drove my car to Church and back (on the
first Friday of each month there is a mass at 6:30am) I cried there and
back, and through mass and thanked God for helping me.

I have tried various complementary therapies: homeopathy, Reiki, Alexander
technique, etc. The first had no effect at all (a complete waste of money)
but the Alexander technique was the beginning of a turning point in that it
not only helped my balance but my teacher, Angel as I call her, led me to
taking the current medication; and also introduced me to Reiki. She has also
given me toning treatments - this is where sounds are made and aimed at the
whole person or part of the body.

Even though I have difficulty walking at the moment because my legs, my
knees in particular, are not functioning properly I'm a long way forward
from the darkest days of 97 and 98. I have a very strong will and will not
allow myself to succumb to the horrors of PD. I occupy myself with as much
as I can and still try to apply my professional skills in helping others - I
help many local people with  pc problems. I have also discovered that my
consultancy skills can be applied to virtually any situation.

There is only one sad part to my life a moment and that is I seem to be
dealing with my situation on my own. My wife will occupy her time with
anything but me and I feel she has not accepted PD and therefore by shutting
it out, shuts me out. The physical changes that have taken place have made
me less of a person, one with whom she no longer wishes to be seen, her
vanity does not accept me as I am. Her indifference to my situation is
soul-destroying. My youngest son has become her companion and escort - he is
quite handsome, as I used to be. The feeling of loneliness in my own home is
becoming too much to bear. And when I read the messages in your group of how
some partners support the partner with PD I am moved by the Love and
commitment. I only wish and pray for the same for my life.

I am very tempted to join the PD cruise on the Pacific coast in the fall
just to demonstrate that I can do something for myself. You see I am left
out of any holiday plans as they all want to go away without me.

I hope you don't mind my expressing myself as I have but I need  to be in
touch with the group such as yours.

Sincerely,
Marco