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Mike, My advice, since I was diagnosed at 48 and now have been through 9 years of this monster (PD not depression) is: Don't sell your guitar. I went through some really rough years before I hit on the right combo of drugs. (I was suicidal when on Mirapex and am fortunate to have figured out that is was the Mirapex). My wife also pounded into my brain daily how awful her life would be without me even though I viewed myself as detriment to her. It got down to where I had three jobs and she did all the rest. #1. Empty the dishwasher. #2. Keep her from being scared at night. #3. Do the income taxes. Incidentally, it was through people on the list that actually got me moving again, especially Ivan. My doctor basically cooperated by letting me try anything I wanted to unless it was dangerous. Everywhere I went I used a wheelchair. Now, its been in the closet for two years. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is still hope. I almost got rid of my piano because I couldn't use it. Thank goodness I didn't, and now it is a great source of joy and often gets me on when I'm off. However, I have had to adjust what I play, and listen for the beauty of the cords instead of enjoying the beat. However, there are still times when I can do almost what I could before PD. I had played a guitar when young, but had long ago sold it. Recently I bought another and now play every Saturday night with a bluegrass gospel gathering. When I freeze up, as often I do, I either take more meds and wait or "fake it till you make it". The people there accept me just the way I am. At home I can be so off I can hardly make a cord on my guitar (mine is in my left side). But by just tuning it seems to relax me and start the process toward being on again. I'll play a cord, take however long it takes to move my fingers, and then play another. Before long (sometimes), I'm playing again. I guess my overall advice is that even though things are pretty black now, who knows when your 'right combination of drugs' will show up. I'm sure glad I waited. Walter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Falcone" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, August 16, 2001 5:23 AM Subject: Depression > Hi all, > > I do OK until I try to play my guitar. My right hand and arm won't cooperate. > If I want to pick one string, I pick three. Want to pick three, and I only > hit one. > > Prozac has helped keep the demon off me, but I feel him get near when I want > to play well, like I used to. > > I should probably quit thinking about the guitar, but I can't. > > I was never an active sports type person, so the dragging right leg really > doesn't emotionally bother me. > > I keep thinking I might get better through some miracle or drug - but I'm > just getting worse. > > I'm 46 - was diagnosed last year and had symptoms going back 3 years. I > usually deal with it well, I guess. But this morning I feel kind of pitiful > about it > > Mike > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn