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Dear Patricia and others wondering when to retire: I am new to the list and writing for my husband, Claude, who was diagnosed with PD at age 39. Three years ago at age 56, he decided to go on disability from the University of Ky. Claude was a spectroscopist in the chemistry dept. (having to do with chemical analysis). He developed serious balance, walking, and writing problems that interfered with his job. Dyskinesia was becoming more distracting during people interaction and some falling in the lab made working dangerous. Claude felt it was becoming as stressful to others as it was to himself. Jerky driving and maintaining driving speed made the 25 miles to work hazardous so a good friend and I drove claude the last year or so. He stretched out his retirement process by working 2-3 days a week the last year using his accumulated sick leave and vacation time. The Dept. suggested this and it was a great help financially and for morale. Claude still drives into town (3-4 miles) occasionally during his best times. Auto. transmission helps a lot. He spends his time working in the yard, when able, seeing friends, and our children who all live in town. He likes to ride with his son, Hardy who is a veterinarian. He also visits with our 7 grandchildren and the public library where I work. Sorry this was so long winded. I'll be shorter next time. Claude is seriously considering pallidotomy. Marilyn [log in to unmask]