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David, I've played the guitar since I was 12 or 13; now I'm 49 with Parkinson's disease. My message it: don't let it stop you. Last year I traded in my old guitar for one with a thin neck and low action that's easy to play and also sounds gorgeous (for those who are interested, it's a Taylor jumbo 355 12-string--incredible guitar!). I realize that I can essentially play only while medicated--well, I can play other times, too, but it's pretty bad! Also, I think that what I could call lowering my standards is more positively stated as increasing my appreciation. I'm happy being less technically accomplished and focus more on tone and what's inside the music. I play much simpler stuff and don't challenge myself with difficult riffs. Assuming you have Parkinson's and get on to the medications that help with symptoms, I predict that you'll be able to play guitar and do lots of other stuff again. Maybe not as well, but that's part of what we get to learn about with this disease. Good luck. Rick 49 years old, dx 47 >Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2000 14:28:37 -0500 >From: David Willard <[log in to unmask]> >Subject: Re: disability from PD >I've played guitar since I was 15. I havent been able to do that in over >a year now. I once painted oil paintings, not anymore. I have always >been very much a hands on type person. I was an aviation stuctural >mechanic in the Navy for eight years. I was on my community volunteer >fire deparment until about a year ago it became to hazardous to >continue. I was to risky in critical situations. I was in the process of >building my own business as an auto body mechanic when this disease >struck. Currently thats what I do to provide for my family. I buy >wrecks and fix them. I'm just real slow at it.It's getting harder to >function daily. My wife and kids help me as much as they can. They too >are supportive. I thank God for them evryday. > >I'm not looking for an easy way out. I'm just frustrated. If it wasnt >for me knowing God is in control I would have given up a long time ago. >He has a plan through all of this. I'm just searching his will as best I >know through the love of his son Christ Jesus. > >Thanks for your prayers in Christ. > >dave > >