Introducing Myself

[Julie King <J.F.King@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I joined the list last week and have been invited to introduce myself and tell 
about my
interest in Parkinson's.

My father, who just turned turned 68, was diagnosed 8 or 9 years ago with PD.  
I live
about 800 miles from him with my husband and kids, so I see him only a couple 
of times
a year.  His neurologist has recommended pallidotomy, but my father has elected 
not to
pursue this course, at least for now. I am now trying to educate myself about 
PD and
thought the Internet might be a good place to start.

I was deeply affected by the state of my father's health when he visited two 
weeks ago.
Although he lives on his own and still has fairly good mobility under 
medication, the
general condition of his health seems quite poor to me. He looked gray in the 
morning
and could barely lift himself from the sofa.  He fell asleep spontaneously 
during
conversation.  His energy and color returned somewhat by noon, although he 
tires very
easily.  I fear that he may die soon. I have many questions and concerns.  I 
don't know
whether the symptoms he experiences are "typical" Parkinson's, or whether there 
may be
some other underlying pathology.  I'm trying to understand how I may be of 
assistance
to him.

Julie   J.F.King@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx