Marco~
  Thank you for taking the time to share your expereinces with me. Your insights tend to echo those of others who has responded to my request for advice. I know that my dad will have a lot of adjustments to make (as will my mom, sister, and myself) but it sounds like it sort of pushes people into a new phase of life. Everyone who has responded sounds happy which is really good to hear. I really appreciate your willingness to give me your advice...I may be seeking more of it in the near future.

Best Wishes,
Jen

"Parkinson's Information Exchange Network" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Jen,
>
> I will be 52 this July and was diagnosed April 93. The symptoms you describe
> are exactly what made me go to see my GP - writing was esp. difficult. My
> first thoughts were MS having seen a friend with it.
>
> My immediate thoughts on the day I was told, as I left the Hospital building
> was to look up to the sky and say, "Dear God, you're going to really have to
> help me with this one". How would my family take the news and would it cause
> us to breakup, for i had read that many partners had left the one with PD
> unable to face dealing with it, or they simply went into denial. I have 4
> children: 3 daughters (23, 20 and 18) and a son(15). At the time (93) each
> weekend we would go somewhere and do something (visit zoo's, london parks,
> have a pizza etc. I esp. liked showing them around london). I was esp. worried
> about how much time i would have with my son because my father died when i was
> 15.
>
> I decided to not let PD beat me, to carry on working for as long as possible,
> to not read any books on PD (esp. latter stages) and to delay medication for
> as long as possible. My job, IT Project Mgr with GE Info. svcs, was very
> demanding and stressful, I managed to keep going until 8/96 when i took early
> retirement.
> I continued wrapping up projects and writing procedures thru to 1/97. The rest
> of 97 i didn't do much and 98 was a very bad year for i couldn't do anything
> for myself.
>
> In 99 i started medication, pergolide. By the July I was almost my old self.
> I'll never forget the day,2nd July, when i drove myself to church - i cried
> with joy all the way there and thru mass. I contnued to imp. and started
> taking my english springer for long walks, on my own. I do a lot of cooking
> and help friends and neighbours with their PC requirements(sourcing,
> installation and support). I also apply my consultancy skills in advising
> people on various matters, jobs etc. My main project this year is to finish
> landscaping my garden, with a view to offer landscaping services.
>
> PD is not an end, it is a begining of a new phase. Your Dad will be amazed at
> how much time he will have to do all the things he may never had time for
> before.
>
> What can you do for him? Love him, hug him, treat him no differently and tell
> him you love him; which i can tell you do very  much.
>
> My family, with the exception of my youngest daughter, show indifference esp.
> my wife, who i feel wants to leave me.
>
> The benefits of pergolide are begining to wear off and i will soon start
> either madopar or sinemet.
>
> I would be happy to talk to you or your dad.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Marco
> London, England
>
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