Introduction

["Linda K. Hatfield" <AAdams1014@xxxxxxx>]

Hi.  My name is Linda Hatfield.  I'm currently 36 years of age but that will
change next month.  My official diagnosis of parkinsonism, coupled with
chronic myofacial pain, occured on July 12, 2001 by a specialist at the USF
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center in Tampa, Florida.  I had
actually gone to the center to have a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease that
had been made by a different neurologist refuted by them.  However, it was
decided that given my symptoms at the time and the negative results of
numerous other tests, that a trial of Carbidopa/Levodopa was warranted.  The
main symptom I was experiencing was a tremor in my right arm, shoulder, and
leg.  I also had a gait disturbance, some rigidity, and was experiencing
periods of not being able to control my body movements.  The tremor started
in November of 2000 during a time when I was recuperating from 2 automobile
accidents in May and July of 2000.  They were not sure if  the tremor was
related to the trauma experienced from the accidents or if there was a
connection to my occupation in which I have been exposed to many toxic
substances.  However, it was determined after marked improvement while taking
the Carbidopa/Levodopa that what most likely had occurred was a triggering of
an underlying Parkinson's Disease that had just not shown any symptoms
before.  After meeting with the specialist at USF over the next few months,
he diagnosed me with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease in November of 2001.
The neurologist also referred me to the USF Pain Management Clinic and they
have also diagnosed me with Chronic Myofacial Pain as a result of the
accidents.  Unfortunately the two diseases sort of feed off of one another so
I continue to be treated by the team at USF for both.  After a year and a
half of not knowing what was happening to me I at least was relieved to have
a diagnosis.  I, however, was not prepared or willing to accept it as I'm
sure no one truly is when confronted with this news.  This is why, I imagine,
that I am finally making my introduction.

I learned of the Parkinson's Information Exchange Network after purchasing my
second book on PD.  "When Parkinson's Strikes Early", by Barbara Blake-Krebs,
M.A. and Linda Herman, M.L.S., was just the book I needed to get me out of
the whole I had dug for myself and on the road to accepting and dealing with
the fact that I have Parkinson's Disease.  The many stories, insights, and
loads of information offered throughout the book have been very helpful.  I
was amazed to learn of so many people out there dealing on a day to day basis
with this disease.  I was also encouraged to find that so many are willing to
share their personal experiences with virtual "strangers".

I am a typically shy person who does not like to draw any attention to
myself.  I would prefer it if no one noticed me.  Since that is pretty
difficult to acheive when you are visibly shaking and have difficulty
walking, I figured it would be best to learn as much as I possibly can about
this disease from those who are living with it too.  So, I've finally gotten
up the courage to sit and write out this introduction to you all.  To let you
know who I am, to let you know that I'm scared to death, and to let you know
that I so appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read this and
possibly reply with any thoughts, comments, or words of wisdom that you might
have to share with a fellow PWP.

Thank you so much for providing this very much needed service and for helping
me find the courage to say "I have Parkinson's Disease".

Sincerely,
Linda K. Hatfield

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