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Hello All, My name is Roy Edwards. I have just joined the list after reading David Langridge's very informative article in the June 96 magazine of the PD Society of the UK. It made me aware of what is available on the PD front. I emailed the subscribe command and in no time at all found my screen full of messages from around the world ! One of these was a very welcoming message from Barbara Patterson (Thank you, Barb. The personal approach was very much appreciated) suggesting that I write a message to introduce myself to the membership. Here we go: I am 58 years old and live in England. I am married with two daughters (26 & 29). I was diagnosed three and a half years ago. I was a lecturer in mathematics at a University College and the first symptom that I had, possibly unusual for a first symptom, was trouble with my voice. I found that after a short time into a lecture my voice went very hoarse and quiet. This was, at first , thought to be a throat problem and PD was not diagnosed under other symptoms appeared later on. I retired from lecturing and am now a full time writer of maths text books for schools. I realise that I have been very fortunate in being able to make this change of career as, being my own boss now, I can adjust my timetable if my medication is coming to the end of its run and there is still a while to the next dose. Once diagnosed, I went on to Madopar and life began again ! So far this has been effective in allowing me to live a more or less normal, active life (I was able to visit Canada and the USA last Summer 95). I have to admit that at times I get black thoughts at the planning of medication that is involved to adjust to a change of routine but most of the time I am impressed by the amount of work and research that is going on around the world and I am positive and optimistic about the future. I am particularly excited by the activity that is going into the Udall Bill . I realise that this has world-wide implications. I send everyone who is involved in its progress every good wish for a successful campaign. I do a lot of exercise as I find that this gives me a boost. I recently joined a yoga class that concentrates on `stretch and tone` and I find this very beneficial. I guess this is about it. I am happy to have joined the list and look forward to making new friends and exchanging information and experiences. Best wishes, Roy [log in to unmask] (Roy Edwards)