Hello everyone!
I'm 34 and have been disagnosed for a couple of years now so think I might as well try this thing. I live in Exeter in Devon.
So far, its been more of a nuisance than a serious problem. I was getting very stiff in my movements about three years ago but have been put on rapinerol which has worked very well. My girlfriend has been very supportive.
Lately, I've been having slight foot clawing issues and have been wondering if I should get my dosage increased.
I am a trained journalist but have been unemployed for most of the last two years although whether this is due to the recession, my own personal failings or my condition is anyone's guess. I can still type although obviously this is a bit of an issue. I've mostly had admin jobs in the last couple of years and have had a lot of interviews lately but no joy.
Generally, I don't think most people would be able to tell anything was wrong with me, most of the time.
I am a big reader, watch tons of films and enjoy politics, quizzes and writing short stories.
I look forward to hearing from people!
Chris

Hi Chris,

Im here to but a positive take on things .... im 42 and had juvenile on-set pd since I was 8 . I had deep brain stimulation in 2006 and was off work for four weeks . I love all the things you do and there really is hope . I am able to work full time and at weekends I report on non league football for my local paper , I take photos as well although I do use an anti-shake button !!!!

Enjoy the positive things in your life , it makes coping with the tough times , which are inevitable with pd , that bit easier.
best wishes

Matt

hiya chris im ali i was dx with pd when i was 34 ,im 41 now lots surport on this form hopes to see u around x

Hi Hal
Welcome to the forum. I am 38 and was diagnosed in 09 but had symptoms since 05. I would say I have been through some tough times with PD (who hasn't) but for the most part so far have come through smiling. My old well self would not have dreamed how I would cope with this but you just have to learn how - 'Keep calm and Carry On!'. I still work full time and lead a pretty normal and busy life. My mobility and dexterity were very difficult a few months ago but with a better dose of meds I am walking heaps better and able to write and type again, also ridded of very painful foot clawing. So you're right to maybe get your meds revised. It may only take a little increase. I do a bit of singing, drumming, photography, gym, travel, and mindfulness in my spare time. Had to give up the 15 mile hikes but am aiming for a small mountain this spring. Is there really a camera setting that will over ride the tremor?!
best wishes
Jo

Hi Chris, is what I meant. Not Hal. Sorry Chris!

Thanks everyone! It honestly isn't bothering me hugely so far. I know it's a very serious condition so am wondering if I am still in denial. It bothers me not being able to type as fast more than anything else. Am wondering if I should try to get a bus pass or something (I've never driven) or whether my current unemployment is an early indicator that I shouldn't be working. I certainly don't feel anything like ill enough not to work.
Main issues I have are:
1. Typing. Am already inclining towards writing less than I used to, simply because it's easier.
2. Occasional nausea. This might be more from the Rapinerole than the actual condition.
3. Occasional stiffness in my movements which can give me backache.
4. Occasional foot clawing.
5. Occasional fatigue. Again, this could be the Rapinerole.

Hi all and welcome to the newbies. I was interested to note in Matt's thread that he uses an ant shake button when taking pictures with his camera. I would love to indulge in some photography but for obvious reasons, which are that I shake all the time, I cannot, or didn't think that I could. Is it really possible to override this? Hope you can give me some tips about make of camera ect Matt. Feel free to private message me if requires. I will await your reply with baited breath!!!

Glenchass

Hi Chris, Matt et al.

I am also a journalist by profession (www.grumpyoldgran.com) but I am lucky because my Parkinson's symptoms only began when I was in my 30s second time round! I always used to think Parkinson's was something that only affected the elderly but I was obviously completely misguided. My own problems began last year when my left hand (my writing hand) began to look permanently swollen and also developed intermittent shakes. Two scans revealed that (consultant neuroogist's words): ''The MR scan of the brain is normal. The dopamine scan has shown the sort of changes that I would expect to see in Parkinson’s disease. These results would support my conclusion that you probably have Parkinson’s disease.'' Well, those changes are also probably going to get worse but I'm damned if it's going to knock the spirit out of me! My battle cry is: ''Be happy, laugh and joke as much as you can - and count your blessings. There are lots of people out there who are suffering far more than I am.'' There's a new article on my blog that says it in more detail. It would be interesting to know if others think the same.

Keep smiling - and always look on the bright side of life(now that would make a good song title!)

Donna

Hello, Chris.

Another newbie here (to the forums and, relatively speaking, to PD). My PD was 'caught' very early on - the first inkling I had that there was anything wrong was in 2009 when my thumb starting sticking out. Another year went by before I was referred to a neurologist, whose diagnosis was pretty prompt (I suspect that the GP who referred me suspected the diagnosis). So far, I'm only taking Rasagiline - and exercise, which I have been advised is potentially protective and may also help to alleviate symptoms (I'm pretty sure I don't do enough).

I'm also not working, although my reasons for that are complicated by young children. I'm a technical author by trade - not quite the same as journalism, but still a writer!

I was interested to red about your foot-clawing. I'm experiencing that now, and while it isn't a big problem while walking (apart from the constant ache down the side of my foot), running is potentially painful (and I'm trying to do more of that)! I saw my physio today, and we talked about that. She has suggested an orthotic insole with a moulding intended to spread the toes. So I shall get in touch with the skeleto-muscular podiatrist and see whether she can help...

Amanda

PS I also have a blog: http://bloggingwithparkinsons.wordpress.com/