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Hello to all fellow PWP's out there in "virtual" land. I joined the list about a week ago and so far I have only been a voyeur. I thought it was time to introduce myself and participate a little. I am a 51 yr old married woman. I live in a country town of 25000 people 450km south of Perth in Western Australia. I have a fit and healthy husband 14 years my junior. I was diagnosed in 1992, 18 months after we were married and 10 years after my symptoms commenced. I negotiated the initial months after diagnosis with the usual anger, grief, search for information, etc. etc. and have arrived at my present state minus Neurologists and, until recently, with a very useful G.P. who is a skilled Acupuncturist. (She departed some months back however, following her heart to a new relationship 450km away.) Since her departure I have managed to find another G.P. who suits me; one who is willing to allow me autonomy in the management of this disease and one with whom I can consult knowing that my wishes will be respected. He is attempting to continue the acupuncture (which I have found to be most helpful in keeping symptoms controlled) but he is no expert. He plans to study acupuncture next year. As for drugs: I take Sinemet M (half a 100/10 tablet first thing as a kick start), Sinemet CR (half a 200/50 tablet 3x daily), Permax (1x .05mg 3x daily) and Selegeline (5mg 2x daily). This has been my drug regime for the past 2 and a half years and represents only a minor variation from the initial dose prescribed when I was diagnosed. (I decided to try Sinemet CR and Permax and I set the dose.) I also take an "over-the-counter" sleeping pill which is very useful. Ihad a lot of trouble with insomnia and that is now under control. I don't consult with specialists unless I am forced to do so in order to obtain particular medication (eg. To get Selegeline at a reduced cost I have to see a specialist at least once a year.) My experience with Neurologists to date has been very negative so I have elected to take control of my health care and my body. My GP is my ally. This approach works for me but of course I don't recommend it to anyone else. We are all individual as to our needs. I quit work shortly after diagnosis. I figured that if this is a "Life-limiting disease" (a doctor's words, not mine) I would make the most of the "limited life" I have left. In fact, learning that I had Parkinson's was a positive thing in some ways; it taught me to value my time a great deal more than I had before. I found it difficult to continue the sports that I love (Windsurfing, Rockclimbing, Bushwalking, etc.) I find that my co-ordination is not what it used to be and I get cramps at times, but I still pursue these activities as much and as often as I am able. I discovered a new love in making Porcelain Dolls and I am pursuing this vigorously knowing that at any time I may become unable to do the fine work that is required. I have entered my work in competitions and have done extremely well against healthy, experienced competitors. I have learned the ins and outs of Computers. (We bought this PC less than a year ago and at that time I didn't know how to turn it on!) My current project is to start up a small business that I have devised and run it from home in a very low key manner to keep stress to a minimum and to contribute something to the family income. I am also hoping to apply for an Arts grant to learn to sculpt dolls and to make moulds etc. and eventually to make a series of ten dolls as "Mysterious Women of the Past". Researching people such as Morgana Le Fay, Catherine the Great, Lucretia Borgia, Napolean's Josephine will be part of that project so if any of you have any ideas or can give me any info I'll be grateful. Also if there are any Parkies out there who are into dolls, drop me a line! I'd love to hear from you. I am hoping (as we all are) that a cure is just around the corner but realistically I accept that we are stuck with what we have at present. I am grateful for the support of my partner although I fear that the quality of his future life may be diminished by any deterioration in my health. I try to keep a positive outlook and to always have something up my sleeve for when things get worse (as I guess they eventually will do). I read today's mail and found the bulletin about growing new brain cells: More power to those scientists. May they get all the funding and help that they need!!! Thanks for your time in listening, Sylvia Gartland [log in to unmask]