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Hi Dwayne, Welcome to the Parkinsn list. I'm sure you'll learn a lot from the members. I know I have during the six months I've been on the list. Normally, I just lurk here, but something in your introduction struck a chord with me. I'm guessing that you're near my age (I'm 27). My fiance & I are taking care of his parents, both of whom have PD. They are in their 70s and more advanced than your father is. But my dad is also 53. He's a retired Nebraska State Trooper and is now enjoying a second career in wood-working. He doesn't have PD, but I can only imagine how frustrating it would be for him to experience the limitations that I know PD can bring about. Your dad is young, and from everything I've read, young-onset PD progresses more slowly than if it occurs later. You said that the medication and exercises have had a positive effect, and this is good. As his son, I think it's important for you to encourage him to stay active - from what I've seen, exercise not only benefits the body, but is a bit of an antidote to the depression that can come with PD. In any case, PD isn't the end of the world, and shouldn't be the end of your dad's livelihood, either. There are a lot of treatments for PD (experimental as well as traditional), and with any luck, the cure is right around the corner. You're also right that your father would likely benefit from first-hand exposure to this list. My dad is talking about getting a computer and going online - tell your dad that if my dad can do it, anyone can! Sincerely, Shannon Uehling co-CG for Jack 76/7 and Marguerite 71/1 Dwayne James wrote: > > Hello all, > I'm new to the list, having just subscribed last night. I just > wanted to send a quick note of greeting, and describe my situation. > My father was diagnosed with parkinson's in January. He is a 53 > year old carpenter, and has relied on his hands his entire life. He is > being very chipper about it, but I can tell it is bothering him. > As far as the doctors can tell, he was diagnosed fairly early, > and his symptoms include difficulty with fine motor skills, and rigidity > of his muscles. His medication and exercises have had a beneficial > effect, and I think that he is feeling better. > After searching the internet for sources of new information for him, > I joined this list so that I could hopefully interact with people living > with the disease, and pass on the experience to him. If I can gethim > past his computer phobia, I'll see if I can get him logged on, I'm sure > he could use the support, especially if he can be shown that, although > his life has changed now because of parkinsons, he can still lead a > productive life. > > Anyhow, I've gone on long enough > I look forward to participating on the list. > > Dwayne > [log in to unmask]