Marty: I noted your response to the PD Listserve on Sept 8, describing your age of onset and your early symptoms: Date: Sun, 8 Sep 1996 20:51:13 -0400 From: Marty Rose <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Early Onset and rate of Decline >Brian:These are my answers to your questions > * How long is it since you were diagnosed as having PD? a: 5 years > > * As you look back, how long is it since your earliest symptoms > appeared? a: 10 YEARS > > * How old were you when PD was diagnosed ? > a: 51 > * Can you describe the early symptoms ? a; Pain in legs Depression Trouble writing Stiffness on right side > ================= I have recently been diagnosed with PD, and I have a profile remarkably similar to yours at onset (I am 50 years old). I realize that everyone progresses differently, but given the same initiation, I would appreciate it if you would share with me how your symptoms have progressed during the past 5 years, including medications, ability to work, recreation and exercise, anything you would do differently, etc. I am particularly concerned about work and career. Any personal insights you could share would also be appreciated. I am a self employed management consultant in public health and health services. I have been dissatisfied with work over the past few years (maybe a fallout of depression). Projects that I once liked are less interesting, and elements of work that I never liked (e.g. dealing with bureaucracy, marketing) are barely tolerable. I am financially secure, but I need to have some income and I want to remain active. I am concerned about what to do? During the past few months since my diagnosis I have devoted increasing time to PD related concerns such as lobbying Congress for funding (I live in DC), participation on the Board of the local APDA chapter, as well as exercising and informing myself about the disease. I try to avoid long hours, deadline pressure and stress which is inherent in my line of work. I also have avoided the things that I dislike. The result of all this is a decline in my business. Given uncertainty about disability, should I take the opportunity to travel and do things I may not be able to do well later? (I have 2 teenagers - 9th and 11th grades - which limits my flexibility to go on extensive trips now.) What are the non-financial tradeoffs and issues to consider for someone with PD about early retirement and disability? (I have good health insurance including meds connected to my business and I have private disability insurance through a professional association.) What kind of documentation is needed for disability insurance? Thank you for sharing your insights. Perry Cohen