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Dear Sherry and Brenda: I see that many people have already written and have given you excellent advise. I'd like to mention a couple of things, though. Read everything you can about PD but keep in mind that not everyone has the same symptoms and not everyone will progress at the same rate or in the same way. We (the National Parkinson Foundation) have numerous books that are available for free to anyone that wants or needs them. Let me know if you would like them, [log in to unmask] If not already done, please consider joining a support group, preferably, a Young Onset Group. If you need help finding a group if you'd like to start one, please contact me. If there are no groups in your area and you'd like to start one, I can provide you with the information you need. We have an excellent book called "Support Group Leaders Manual", that explains in detail how to start and maintain a group. I hope that you both are seeking treatment from a Movement Disorders Specialist as they are the Parkinson's specialists and are apt to be up on current treatments and trends in treating PD. Best of Luck, Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. Patient Services Director NPF Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 16:18:05 EDT From: Sherry Macredes <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Tell me more! I am a 47 year old female who has just been diagnosed with PD. So far I just can use my left hand very well and get shakes when I try. My left leg is also starting to get the jittery feeling. Also there is the problem with rigid muscles which is the worst! I guess I don't have much to complain about except lack of information. The doctors (and I have seen many) don't seem to want to give you any info. I am starting the drug Mirapex and am having some difficulty with nausea, but since the dose is still not enough I haven't gotten any relief from my symptoms. Do any of you know anything about this drug and what I can expect? I have read everything I can find on the web but that is just too depressing. The doctors say don't worry you should have many years of productive living...somehow I just think they must have told that to Muhammed Ali too and we all know that he isn't exactly productive. What can I really expect? How long will I be able to continue to work (I do accounting and use the keyboard alot which is getting very hard to do)? Should I be planning for assisted care soon? I know these questions are unanswerable but I wish someone could give me a ballpark figure...say 5-10 years before you will require help with daily chores...or something! I sure all of you went through this period of confusion. During the day my husband and I discuss where we will put our backpacks on the next road trip, at night alone in my thoughts I wonder where we will put my wheelchair. My husband doesn't have a clue as to how bad this is, he just keeps saying when you are better and I don't want to tell him I never be any better. What do you say? Hey guy get real soon you will be changing my diapers! I would appreciate any answers to unanswerable questions, just so I can tell someone who is going through the same problems has already helped. Thanks ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 17 Sep 1999 15:47:54 -0500 From: BRENDA ALLISON <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Tell me more! -Reply Sherry, I can=27t answer your questions as I am 46 and have just been diagnosed = too. I have many of the same questions. I am taking Sinemet 25/100 - 3 = times a day. I too have problems with my left side and trouble walking at = times.. I will be anxious to read the replies from your questions, I just = still shocked at the diagnosis and have been reading all the E-Mail that = passes on the list but hadn=27t written any yet. =20 Brenda Allison=20