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I attach two items of e-mail between Nic Marais and myself. As Nic points out there maybe others on the list who could benefit. MY MESSAGE Nic Re your message of 1 August. I am 43 and still in a reasonably active work environment; the tremor and writing are causing some presentational problems but my advice is to let relevant people at work know. I have made it a practice to tell my immediate boss and staff; not for sympathy but for the simple objective of keeping the team working and helping me by letting me know, sooner rather than later, of any problems resulting from PD. Recently my boss, with the CEO blessing, offered to pay for special coaching if it would help my presentation (written and oral; so I'm looking for suitable training. For similar reasons I would want to involve the kids; exactly what you tell depends on their age but I believe that the family must function as a supportive team. I am taking Eldepryl and Artane (for past 3.5 years). Have you had any side effects from the Sinemet? Do your drugs help your hand movement/writing? Best wishes Bob Leeds, England [log in to unmask] AND NIC'S REPLY Bob Thanks for your letter. I am also involved in presentations etc. I present courses on Satellite Technology and do a lot of walking around a globe, arm waving, and white board writing. The thing to avoid is pointing on the overhead projector slide. The slightest tremble is amplified horribly! I did find that the tremor, which was mostly in my right hand, improved with medication. Luckily I am left-handed. I have to make an effort to project my voice and modulate it. Especially towards the end of the day. After my first course presentation (A whole week), I told a close colleague who attended the course about my PD. He assured me that he did not notice a thing. I am perceiving a definite worsening of my PD over the last 1.5 years. My right hand is slowly becoming more and more useless, (I hate repeat keyboards) and my left hand is also starting to tremble. I am telling my colleagues matter of factly about my PD if the situation is right. This advice came from one of the gentleman on the list. Somebody on the list said that children are very attentive about the behaviour of adults. How right he/she is. My youngest son is very interested in electronics and in- sisted that I teach him how to solder. Not wanting him to end up like me, I warned him about inhaling the fumes and that it will kill brain cells and cause an ilness called PD. My oldest son (16) was listening and matter of factly asked if that is what I got. I had to say yes! As for side effects; after 1.5 years on Sinemet I am starting to experience diskenisia towards the end of the day. So far it has only been slight muscle twitching in my upper arms, right shoulder and right calve. No hallu- cinations. (None that I am aware off.) Best of luck with your coaching Nic PS Why not communicate via the list? Someone might benefit from our conversation.