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Re: accepting dx (Linda)
Hi Linda,
HI Jenn, I was diagnosed when i was 45 but I knew i had PD at least 6 months prior. When I got the diagnosis from the Neuro i walked down to the check in counter because my wife worked there. I told her That I had PD and as i was telling her i could not believe what was coming from my mouth. There was a kind of unreal sense that i had. IT was at least a year before i told my employer. in fact it was about a year before i told almost anyone. I was pretty much in denial for that first year. By 1989 I was telling every one, including my employer. My employer was the Oregon Department of Revenue. I continued working for the department until April of 1001 by then I'd had PD for 14 years and it was affecting the quality of my job.
I too am just recently diagnosed (Jan. 2002 - just turned 35) but really I knew for a year or so before that and suspected for another 6 months or so before that as my father also has early-onset PD so I was very familiar with the symptoms. I think my way of denying it was to avoid a diagnosis - not hard as my GP at the time felt I was too young for PD and so in the 2 or 3 fairly long conversations I had with her, we always managed to convine ourselves that it must be something else.
Then we moved. I had to find a new job and I didn't want a diagnosis which I felt had the potential to mess me up with all the practical needs of my life. Once somewhat settled I finally went to my new GP and basically told him what I had and that I needed to see a neurologist. Things went pretty quickly after that.
The first couple of visits were filled with emotion and tears. I think the neuro thought that was a bit strange but even though I had known in my heart I had never really faced the reality. My husband was very supportive and came to all the early visits so I'd have his moral support.
I'm still dealing with the issue of acceptance. I pick and choose quite carefully who I tell and I'm still too scared to tell my new boss. I also worry about potential difficulties with banks, insurance companies, etc. as we're just in the process of buying a house. So many things to think and worry about!
Take care,
Jenn
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