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Hi Spent the first part of this weekend with the "local YOPD" support group......and I posed a question with a small section of that group.....we did not come up with a solution, but did have some interesting discussion on this topic. Does this situation happen with any others out there? Background: I was dx 9 years ago.....I do not have dyskinesia......my tremor is generally masked by meds.....I do have facial masking.......it is often very very tiring for me to speak.......gait is bothersome but on short distances (curb to door) I may appear to do ok.....I never walk a block without a cane.....I do a great 2 hour mile......So in general, you get the picture that I do not "present" with the noticeable challenges of movement.......when I am off I have stiffness, not extra movement. (might add that my "good on time" is about 4-5 hours total during a 24 hour period.....so my effort to appear at a meeting/gathering, work in my yard etc.....is a carefully planned an orchestrated situation). Question is: How do you respond to a medical professional who says......you are doing great.....or you don't appear to have any challenges. Or: How do you respond to the acquaintance who cornered you at a meeting, in your yard, or wherever......who says......"but you don't have any problems, you look great". Or: (when masking is grasping hold for the day!!).......Are you tired? Why don't you smile? Are we boring you? Get with us today! or something similar. (other than those situations where the comment is made in passing and they don't expect an answer). I have this problem..with medical professionals/allied health people....I generally feel that my credibility has been challenged...would you believe anything I say...you have now put me on the defensive. I have several "friends" who seem to pursue this line of questioning about my "challenges" in the past year......who would not let up on this line of questioning/ comments. I find that I am now consciously avoiding these people and situations.....because I do feel challenged by these comments. I do dread spending the energy and make the sacrifices of good time to go out...... I don't want/expect sympathy............but I do resent being put on the spot. Are you disturbed when this happens to you? How do you tactfully (or untactfully!!) respond? Rita W 57/12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn