i  was diagnosed with PD at age 44.  my  husbband had died a ddfe w ,mlpiuob
nr  g e e wrrtgfj k




----- Original Message -----
From: Cecil Barnes <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 10:08 AM
Subject: Retirement question


> Hello everyone.  I'm 54 years old and was diagnosed with Parkinson's about
> four months ago.  I imagine I've had it at least a couple of years.
Really
> noticeable symptoms started occurring about a year ago.  I'm probably
asking
> the impossible, but I'd like you to help me make a decision regarding
> retirement.  Do you think I will be able to work for another five years?
> How long typically does it take before someone with Parkinson's gets to
the
> point where they do not feel comfortable going to work and being around
> other people?   If I retire on disability, my retirement check will be
> considerably higher.  But I can't retire on disability unless my doctor
> completes a form stating that my condition is such that I am unable to do
my
> job.  I have a manager's job that doesn't require much physical exertion.
>
> Under a special program just passed by the state legislature, I can retire
> now (based on number of years worked) but continue to work for up to five
> years while my retirement check is placed in an escrow account.  It's a
> great opportunity that I would like to take advantage of because I would
> still receive my regular monthly salary also.  But once I sign the form,
the
> amount of my retirement check is locked in.  If I become disabled one year
> from now, I could not then retire on disability because I would already be
> "retired."  I would have to quit my job and just receive my regular
> retirement check, which would be much less than if I had retired on
> disability.  My doctor says that I will be in better shape in 20 years
than
> I am now.  I'm sure he is just trying to be optimistic.  From what I've
> read, some people with Parkinson's start having considerable difficulty
> after only a few years.  The medication has helped some of my symptoms but
> I'm still experiencing rigidity in my left leg.  The medication works for
> about three hours, but wears off  about an hour before my next pills are
> due.
>
> I realize Parkinson's is very different from one person to the next, and
> that there is really no way to predict how quickly my condition will
> progress.  But any insight you can provide would be appreciated.
>
> Cecil Barnes