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Hello Victor, I'm 54 this July and was diagnosed 6th April 1993. I probably had the first symptoms mid 1991; which I think was induced by the anti-depressant I had taken, July '88 thru Jan '91. I decided to take no meds and to continue working for a as long as possible - I was a Consultant/Project MGr with the UK affiliate of GE (USA) Information Services. The first difficulty was writing, which I dealt with by making brief bullet notes at meetings and relying on my memory to flesh them out when I got back to the office and typed up minutes, action plans etc; or, sometimes I tactfully delegated the task to a member of the team. I managed quite well thru 93,94 &95 but early in 96 I began to fall and had difficulty walking and even though my colleagues and clients (Banks, Brokers and Financial Co.s) were all understanding and supportive, the Company Doctor recommended that I take early retirement. So in August 96 I stopped work with GE, 3mths short of 26yrs Service. I effectively finished working Feb 97 because we agreed a gradual handover and I provided support from home using email etc. At that time I still was not taking any Meds. My mobility became worse; I needed help with bathing, dressing, cutting food; writing ceased; I avoided eating and drinking for fear of not getting to the toilet in time; I would lie in bed until 1pm. I still refused to take Meds. My posture was Ape like and my face lacked expression. In August 97 I discovered the Alexander Technique and very slowly began what I regard as a form of recovery and remission. I believe my positive attitude and determination to defeat PD has been key in achieving this; together with seeking Complimentary/Alternative therapies rather than going down the standard route of L-dopa etc. 1998 was a very bad year and in the Fall my Alexander Teacher told me about someone who had regained virtually all motor functions by taking Bromocriptine (an agonist). In the December I contacted my GP, who consulted with my Neuro and in February 99 I started taking Pergolide(Permax) as a mono therapy. By June, on 3 x 300mcg's /day, I was walking fully upright, bathing and dressing myself; and not only cutting my food and feeding myself but preparing meals as well- I enjoy cooking! On July 2nd 1999, I drove my car for the first time in 4yrs and went to Mass - I cried all the way there and back. July thru November I took my dog for 2mile walks each day. But suddenly in the December my mobility became difficult once more and still is today. I think this is due to several factors: Emotional stress with my marriage, anxiety, lack of proper sleep and swollen legs and ankles. I'm sure the latter is due to the Neuro tripling my daily dose of Pergolide. In spite of difficulty with walking I still pretty much take care of my needs, I cook, I drive, I repair PC's, I've landscaped my garden, I've run a power cable from the house to my workshop (150ft) with a junction partway to provide power for lighting and pond pump and I've restored a couple of antiques. I've also resurrected an interest in photography and stamp collecting. All of which require fine motor skills. In addition to the Alexander Technique I see a Reflexologist every 2wks and a Homeopath every 6 weeks. This approach has and is working for me; and it allows me to keep the meds at the smallest dose possible. The next part of my plan is review my diet to ensure I'm eating the right foods; to this end I've just bought a book co-authored by GP and Nutritionist husband and wife team, specialising in PD. I can honestly say I've achieved this on my own because my wife has shown no interest and remains cynical and sceptical. What's the worst thing that's happened to me because of PD? The destruction of my marriage because my wife can not accept the changed physical me. I heard someone say (in a movie), "Love enters through the eyes and leaves through the eyes", which is to say it is only on a physical level and not deep and meaningful. I believe that given rest, the mind and spirit can heal the body. The dopamine producing part of the brain is dying and not dead; and I am seeking ways to halt and reverse this through complimentary paths because I think most of the existing meds kill off what's left, very quickly. Regards, Marco (London, England) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn