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Marling, The speed of onset statistic is a tough one and it will be interesting to see the responses here. It is definitely one that us inquiring PD newbies want to know. I posed this question to my initial neuro about six months ago. He at first refused to answer but you know me. I finally annoyed him to the point that he gave me some case histories. One man diagnosed at my age was fully functional with meds for about 12 years. He golfed regularly and continued to work. He required a Palidotomy after 12 years and was no longer able to work. Another gentleman was diagnosed at age 60 and was disabled in about 3 1/2 years. A family friend of my wife is in her early 70's and has been using meds for over 25 years. My wife didn't even know she had PD. When she heard about my diagnosis, here response was no problem. My new neuro (I'm the guy whose neuro left town) is big on starting out with a meds program that will extend as long as possible their effectiveness. I think this translates to what the neuros decided was the best combination at their last conference. Anyway, my new neuro has a pretty good track record so 'bull head' here will probably need to listen. She is very big on regular exercise to properly tone muscles and maintain strength. She indicated that this is the one major thing we must do to effectively cope with the symptoms. I think the cramping you are feeling is dystonia. I have the same thing in my right forearm. She said that exercise is very important to help relieve this type of symptom. Walking with an exaggerated arm swing is important using a power walking style. Well, speaking of exercise, I think I'll go down and use my ergometric rowing machine. I just hope the dust from the flywheel doesn't aggrevate my allergies too badly. Phil Gesotti 47/1+ [log in to unmask] P.S. What is your age and years since diagnosis. I've lost the bubble.