As a new member of the list, I was asked to introduce myself, so here goes...
 
My name os Frank Nagy and I work for a large communications company in
Phoenix, AZ in a management capacity.
 
My interest in PD relates (1) to gaining a better understanding of PD so I
can better understand what my mother-in-law (74 years old and living in
another state) is experiencing, (2) to become more aware of and sensitive
to what she needs on her trips to visit us (my wife, two cats, and I), and
(3) to gain insight into treatments, medications, advances, and trends in
PD treatment so I might be able to pass on information to her which might
be of some help.
 
Having said all that, I must admit to being ENRAGED at the fact that her PD
has gone un-diagnosed for (as near as we can tell) five years. At the
outset of symptoms she insisted (based on the diagnosis of her
chiropractor) that she was experiencing a pinched nerve in her shoulder and
that her vitamins, massage, and chiropractor would straighten the matter
out in short order. Five years, probably tons of vitamins, and close to 400
chiropractic treatments (three different chiropractors), bunches of
accupuncture and accupressure treatments, God-knows-how-many massages, and
numerous tilts at many more windmills later, I was finally able to convince
her to visit Cleveland Clinic where her PD was diagnosed and a treatment
regimen prescribed. The rate of progression seems to have slowed somewhat
since but I can't help wonder how much pain and suffering she has been
caused in the intermediate five years since her symptoms first appeared.
End of rant... sorry.
 
(I also want to apologize if I've stepped on any "alternative medicine
toes" out there. I happen to believe that there is a valuable place for
alternative medicine, but we all need to know when to say "this is beyond
my capabilities and/or this isn't working; let's try something else." I
also believe that she was partially responsible to say "enough is enough.")
 
On another subject, I agree 100% with the post that suggested that people
looking for inexpensive (i.e., "free") 'net access are missing a bet by not
checking out their local FreeNet. FreeNets are often associated with a
college or university and, if the college or university is publicly-funded,
you have already paid (in a sense) for your much of your access through
your tax dollars. While FreeNets do not always offer the graphical
interface that makes AOL so easy to navigate, they're not difficult once
one has gained a bit of experience and they're a :OT less expensive.
Further, classes in the operation of the FreeNet are often offered at
minimal cost (or free) by the provider.
 
Another good bet is your local users' group for whatever platform you're
using. Being a dyed-in-the-wool Mac user for internet access, I find that
my local users' group (Arizona Macintosh Users Group -- AMUG) provides a
number of access alternatives at VERY reasonable cost as well as an
excellent educational program to teach members to become proficient on a
wide variety of computer-related topics. I'm sure that a look through the
Yellow Pages or a call to a local computer shop can gain you a list of
possibilities in your area.
 
Sorry for the long post. I've already gained a lot of excellent information
from the posts I've read (and saved) and I thank you all for the
information.
 
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                          Frank A. Nagy
                       Scottsdale, AZ, USA
                          [log in to unmask]
     Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority,
                       it's time to reform.
                         -- Mark Twain --
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