Ive just learnt I have PD. I want to tell my colleagues , some of whom are very young, cos it will prevent speculation & gossip. Ive been away from work for a bit while I get my meds right and try to get some sleep, so Id rather they knew the truth than decide its stress or whatevr.Whats the best way to do this?

i worked in an infant school,and when i new i had pd it was a huge shock to me cus i was only 34,so i just told the head and the goveerners ,and then had a 2nd opion,when dx was for deffo,i then told freinds famuly and work collegees ,its best out in the open ,cus i was doin silly little things and i was being looked at ,and people new something rong ,so before that gossip could escape and get out of hand ,ijust came out with it ,and beleve me when u do,life will be much better to do that ,people will understand and help u .xx

You could ask your boss to tell everyone, either at a staff meeting or a memo or a newsletter. He/she could ask everyone to look out for your welfare, and let them know some of the common symptoms. Also that it's not contagious!

Thanx for all the great advice, I think I will ask my boss to let people know, I'm seeing her tomorrow. IM so glad I found this forum early on, Im sure it will help me a lot with what has been a big adjustment.
thanx guys

hello joyceb, I hope all goes well when you tell people.

regards
Glenchass

Joyce,

I just told one member of staff in the office and she told everyone else !

All the best,

Mark.

I worked in a GP Practice so told the Practice Manager when I found out, expecting him to tell the doctors. I was then very surprised when no-one said anything at all to me! Turned out later that the Practice Manager was so used to confidentiality that he thought it applied in this case too!! When they all eventually knew, they were VERY supportive. I hope it goes well with you and that the people at work are also supportive!

Joyce.

It would be great if telling your employer that you have PD meant all would carry on as normal. BUT, beware the employer that does not take this approach.

When my OH was diagnosed they kept quiet for a while and then, when they told their employer, an even greater workload and targets were imposed, which, under the circumstances were impossible to achieve.

As a result, they quit before they were fired. This was almost 10 years ago when we didn't know our rights under the discrimination and disability rights laws.

Well, it's done, I've come out! I was inspired by someone in this forum who wrote a poem. MIne's not great and I won't make a quick buck as a poet, but here it is.

I went to the GP
She said to me
You must see an ologist
I get you a date
As quick as can be

I went to the ologist
He said to me
I’m sure you have
A thing called PD
Part of my brain
Has decided to quit
And so right now
I’m feeling quite s***

I stumble n fall
And that’s not all
I’m not very quick
I’m often quite sick
I still can’t drive
And I never could jive!

Just so you know
I’m happy to say
Although there’s no cure
I’m definitely sure
It really isn’t catching
So don’t shy away

thats brill ,well done ,do some more poems if u can ,ive just started doin them how i been feeling and it helped me through me emoutions ,the therphy man told me it be good to rite stuff down