Intro/response to David

["G. Hertz" <riahsps@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been lurking on the list for some time now, debating whether or not it
was going to be helpful to remain subscribed. I find the news [thank you,
Murray] and the medical stuff very helpful [the sinemet thread was great].
It's also reassuring to hear the "closeness of relationships" as listmembers
share their victories [as well as defeats]. I learned about the list through
the book "When Parkinson's Strikes Early" by Barbara Blake-Krebs & Linda
Herman.

I have had Parkinson's for at least 13 years - depends on what you consider
the initial onset - and am now 42. I have a 9 year old daughter who was 6
months old when I was "officially" diagnosed. I still remember the look on
my doctor's face when I told him "I'm pretty sure I have Parkinson's
Disease" and how it changed to a look of horror when I showed him my tremor
and inability to do rapid finger movements with my right hand. [So much for
being right! : ) ]. I got a DBS (thalamic) in 1999 - anybody have any
battery replacement stories? My meds are Sinemet CR 25-100, 2-4 times/day,
Amantadine 2 capsules twice/day, and Comtan with each Sinemet. I have
symptoms bilaterally and I work part-time [which in my business is 40 hours
per week].

Parkinson's disease is not my whole life [though it could be if I let it].
It affects my work, my family and my interests, but it does not define who I
am. David, let your wife know that Parkinson's may change aspects of her
life - but it doesn't have to change who she is. She can still be a good
mommy even if she doesn't have the dexterity to tie a shoelace or braid hair
or play catch. Growing up with a parent who has an illness makes children
more sensitive to the needs and limitations of others.
Please have your wife email me off-list when she feels ready.

Gail H.

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