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I believe support groups are not for everyone and can be counterproductive. A positive attitude is of paramount importance in living with this disease, and support groups can undermine that. It's next to impossible to look at someone whose condition is worse than yours and not imagine that this is your future. That is not only dispiriting, but also wrong. PD is notoriously variable in symptoms and progression from one person to the next. You can't predict based on someone else's experience what your course will be. That said, some people thrive on support groups. I also think those who love and care for PD patients may benefit from support groups at least as much as patients do. Kathleen 2008/11/14 Gerry Haines <[log in to unmask]> > > In a message dated 11/12/2008 2:00:33 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, > [log in to unmask] writes: > > The most important thing a newly diagnosed Parkinson's patient can do is > to > find a support group. I know that it can be hard to see how PD affect > those > > who suffer long term disease, but people in a support group generally know > where the best movement disorder specialists practice. It is the one > regret > I have when I look back on my husband's PD journey (which lasted 28 > years). > We wasted years looking for the 'right' neurologist when that fellow > practiced right under our noses not more than 15 miles away. My husband > suffered unnecessarily because he was afraid to go to a support group. > > > > Been there have done that. Have to agree, except I think a good neuro. is > first., I lost my husband in April, after 22 years of dealing with this > disease. I have advocated, spoken, been everywhere trying to find a cure. > I run > a support group, and they are wonderful, but Brig would not go either for > the > first 7 years. Just please take an active part. > > > Gerry Haines > Pennsylvania State Coordinator. > Parkinson's Action Network > "Do something good for someone you least like today." > St. Anthony of Padua > > **************Get the Moviefone Toolbar. Showtimes, theaters, movie news & > more!( > http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212774565x1200812037/aol?redir=htt > p://toolbar.aol.com/moviefone/download.html?ncid=emlcntusdown00000001) > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > 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