PD stories

[Joy Elizabeth Brown <Yojie95@xxxxxxx>]

I've gotten quite a few e-mails asking what exactly I'm looking for.  So I
thought I'd give you some things you can think about if you're interested in
sharing your experiences with me.
                How has PD affected your family?
                When and how were you diagnosed?
                What has been the hardest thing you've had to deal with?
                What are your symptoms, how have they progressed?
                How do you cope?
                How have medications affected you?
                         have they helped?
                         have you had negative side effects?
                How do you see the future?

I also thought I'd share my story to give you an idea of what I'm looking for.
My father was diagnosed 8 years ago, I was about 13 years old. I remember
being frightened and confused. I didn't even know what Parkinson's was and my
father had it! The hardest thing for me has been thinking about the future.
When I see those with advanced PD, I'm even more frightened. I've always
looked up to my dad, and I can't imagine him unable to walk or even speak. My
sister got married a year and a half ago. I think that's when it started to
hit me the hardest. I began to wonder about my wedding day. Will I get to walk
down the aisle on my Daddy's arm? Will I have the privilege of dancing with
him at my reception? I can't help but wonder. In fact, I wrote an essay that
was published in a Parkinson's magazine a year ago, I'm not sure which one. It
was the first time my dad had heard how I felt about these things. He cried
and promised me he'd walk me down the aisle when that day came. I still wonder
about the future often, but I also know that no matter what the future holds,
my family will be there and we'll make it through whatever life throws at us.

I hope this helps you out. Someone also wanted to know about length and when
my essay was due. You can write me all you want! I'd love to hear all you have
to share. The messages I've received so far have been fascinating and brought
a tear or two to my eyes. My professor hasn't given us an exact due date yet.
All I know is that it's due in a few weeks--probably around the 10th of March.
If you have any more questions feel free to contact me.

Thanks again for all your help!
Joy Brown
PDstories@xxxxxxxxxxx