HI out there its been awhile since I last posted to "PDnet". While there are lots of new names(unfortunately as our fellow "boomers" start entering their sixth decade, I'm afraid we "early onset "folks are going to have lots of company.) Otherwise Here's my PDP(not one of those grand old DEC mini computers), but my Park. Dis. Profile). Wht Male, 49, married(24 yrs), wife has chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis in knees and ankle, which has sprung up out of nowhere in the past 3 yrs. We have 3 handsome sons(17, 15, & 12). While we all "know" what teenagers are like.......but in fairness to my 3 favorite terrorists, seeing all the problems and future unknowns in their parents lives hardly provides solace or a sense of stability for them as they live through the hi's and low's of adolescence. My PD(early symptoms started @ '1979-80 when I was @ 32. Confirmed diagnosis was @ mid 1985 shortly after I changed jobs and we moved to Conn. Started unilat. right, fairly benign for first decade,by mid '90's, real problems arrise at work, apply for LTD, Placed on leave 8/94, first app for SSA is rejected, appeal grants me SSA Here in no particular order are the issues I've seen on the wire that caught my eye. #1 Issue is your family and the unbelievable and often unspoken(esp the kids) stresses, strains, and yes ANGER that can build in a family trying to cope w/ chronic illness. EVERYBODY SHOULD SEE A COUNSELOR, IT COULD INCLUDE PARENTS. THEY WERE COUNTING ON YOU AND THAT GREAT JOB TO HELP THEM OUT. LITTLE THINGS LIKE ASKING YOUR MOM & DAD BOTH @ 85 AND IN A1 HEALTH, FOR THE WALKER, CANES ETC LEFT BEHIND BY GRANDMA!! Diet(protein) impact on action of drugs:Have NOT noticed that Dairy products(milk and cheese, or ice cream) cause me any problems. I rarely drink milk anymore, but have @ 6-8oz of 1% Fat Free in big bowl of cereal each morning . Eggs ARE a big problem for me . Even 1 lone poached or ,fried for breakfast will KO that AM dose. Neither bacon nor sausage alone cause the problem. French toast batter, and eggs in pancakes don't bother me. Cheese or PB&J are my sandwiches of choice, in fact PB&J's are one of the best "emerg pusher" snacks when in an "Off-Trough", FISH IS MY WATERLOO.( or is it Fish are like the Water in the Loo.......) Swordfish and fresh Tuna steaks and Blue Fish are guarantees that all my medicines and my responses to them will be off the charts. The lighter- fleshed and less oily fish like flounder or sole or farm-raised catfish are, tolerable when eaten in small amounts. CAFFEINE While at a conference, a few years ago,I could not figure out why my peak dose gait dificulties were getting even worse. As I looked out over the row upon row of tables all littered with thermal coffee carafes, my right leg doing a Thumper/Jackhammer imitation, the answer became obvious. It's everywhere in our prep. food chain, so read labels for its presence, but not its quantity. BEWARE of many OTC medicines, pain killers, cold and allergy meds are laced with rather high doses of caffeine LARGE HOLIDAY MEALS In our household that has meant a huge turkey, with enough side casseroles to feed a small army. It may not be the Turkey as much as it is the shear volume of food that inhibits or delays the uptake of PD meds. OTHER FOOD//BEV THAT WORKS"("WORKS" = Helps expedite PD meds into the system) #1#1 #1 #1 is GATORAIDE. I had initially thought to use Gatoraide as the base for making my Liquid Sinemet, but found out that L/S was not for me, because Sinemet won't dissolve. But what has helped me is the Gatoraide "chaser". Also from time to time will pulverize Sinemet putting powder into gelcaps. Finally staying well-hydrated and limber is always good for body and SOUL- Get a holster for your Water Bottle - it's a good counter weight for your butt or hip pack. #2#2#2; "SNICKERS" and other candies Plus Oreo(Hydrox) Lorna Doone, -HAVING TROUBLE WITH MANIPULATING YOUR PILLS, AND A PAIR OF tweezers does'nt help, use an ALLIGATOR CLIP, ALL SIZES AND DESIGNS, SOME DON'T REMOTELY LOOKLIKE THE ALLIGATOR, BUT FOR PILLS YOU NEED THAT LONG SNOUT @ RADIO SHACK It's too late and this is too long, Take care all. next time for drugs, toes, Disability etc BYE, Steve Holahan