Hi!
My name is Karen, 43 yrs old, dx. last december at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale.
After 5-6 yrs. of obvious PD symptoms my husband and I diagnosed ourselves, (
and 6 doctors, including  3 neurologists who told me everything from "your
depressed " to "IF YOUR HERE LOOKING FOR DISABILITY WE DON'T DO THAT
HERE!!!!), The doctors at Mayo clinic knew within the first 5 minutes it was
PD. Of course they ran every tests imaginable to rule out PD look-a-likes,
but we all knew it was PD. If you would like to ask me any questions or
correspond with me I would love to help in any way possible.
Your Friend,
Karen

Ivan M Suzman wrote:

> Dear friends,
>
>  I am interested in compiling a list of Young Onset PWP's(defined only
> for the purposes of this project as having visible  PD symptoms before
> age 40) who have been enduring visible symptoms for 8 years or more, and
> who would like to form a vocal and visible "Parkinson's Liberation"
> group. The primary focus would be MAJOR MEDIA COVERAGE.
>
>  I hope this group does not exclude anyone unfairly.  I am simply of the
> opinion that younger people have many years of tragedy to endure, greater
> energies,  and that 8 or more years of enduring  PD-related hardships  at
> an early age gives us very special clout.
>
>  I do not mean to include or exclude any particular PWP's,. and hope
> noone is upset by this somewhat arbitrarily-limited group.  I am hoping
> to be present at the Massachusetts area YOPD meeting this Saturday, at
> Newton-Wellesley Hospital at 1 PM, and would be glad to talk to anyone
> during  or after the coffee hour, after Sonia Neilsen's program has
> concluded.
>
> Thank you for your understanding,
>
> Ivan Suzman (49/39/36)