I only discovered this site yesterday and have avidly read many of the postings. What a superb site!! I am 63 and was diagnosed with Parkinsons when I was 50. The so called consultant told me that I had PD but that he could not help me, as "I had not responded to the best drugs available". Devastating! After a few days in shock, I made an appointment to see another consultant privately and he gave me a slightly higher dose of the same drug and within days I was back to 99.9% of my old self. I was able to carry on working for another 8 years until being made redundant. Then for financial reasons I transferred to a NHS neuorologist - what a nightmare that was.He systematically changed all my drugs and I developed all sorts of side effects - dreadful joint pains, hallucinations, jerky movements to name a few. My quality of life was decreasing rapidly but his response was to tell me that "it was the nature of the beast* I had always kept full records of my treatment and condition and fortunately have a very supportive GP who could recognise that each downturn coincided with a change in treatment and referred me to another neurologist. My condition immediately improved and although it entails a long journey, I gladly continue. My advice to anyone suffering from any illness is Keep good records of your treatment and condition and don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

A warm welcome to you!

And thanks for your excellent advice about record keeping.

Thank you for the welcome. It is so reassuring to read so many upbeat messages.

Welcome Geminipat love the name.Are you interested in Astrology?Look forward to your postings.ANGEL4UX

Hi, welcome. There's always someone around here - 24 x 7 - should you need advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just plain company. Hope to talk again soon.

hiya welcome to the forum x

Hi!

Hi again Geminipat!

Are you a boy pat, a girl pat or a cow pat?

Merve.

Hi and welcome! Great story and well done to you for a good attitude

Hi. In answer to your questions - my star sign is Gemini and I am a female Pat not a cow pat (although some may say that is a matter of opinion)

I didn't give many personal details in my opening post so here goes:

I'm 63 and have been a widow for 27 years although I do have a very nlovely gentleman friend who I have known now for nearly ten years. I hve two sons - both in their mid thirties and both married and living within 7 miles of me. I have three grandchildren, who I am totally besotted with, boys aged 10 and 8 aand a grandaughter who will be seven next month.

I have always lived life in a "head on" way. I hate to be defeated by anything and until recently did all my own gardening, decorating etc. When my kitchen was replaced just over 2 years ago I dismantled all the old units and took them to the tip and knocked off all the old tiles. Then after the joiner had fitted the units and my friend done all the elctrics and plumbing, I tiled, papered and laid a tiled floor. I think that was my swan song as I cerrtainly couldnd't tackle that now.

I developed the first signs of PD 13 yrs ago and I am still managing to hold it at bay most of the time but it is slowly creeping uop on me. I just try not to think too much about the future

Thank you all for your lovely welcome to the Forum