Hi

[Bernie G.]

My name is Bernie and I was diagnosed with PD in Jan 2002 at the age of 46.

I have a number of the PD symptoms, tremor in the left hand, Dystonia in the right foot (mainly first thing in the morning - hurts like hell doesn't it!), cannot produce legiable handwriting (thank goodness for email). I take 1/2 sinemet and eldepryl to control the symptoms.

The worst time of the day is early pm and late pm, mornings are best (after taking the tablets). The hardest thing I currently have difficulty with...shaving!..almost impossible...always cutting myself!

I am the General Mgr of an Engineering Co here in the UK with a staff of 35 people. I travel a lot, in the last two months I have been to Qatar, Kuwait, Sweden, Spain and USA. At present I am coping but I wonder how much stress I am under.

I still have a driving licence although it is restricted to 3 years (just had it renewed this July).

I am married with 3 daughters, aged 23/21/17. Two have gone through university and the youngest will start in Sept. This has to be one of my current aims in life, to see my girls get through uni and a good start to their lives.

I am gradually coming to terms with having PD (yes, I know its been 6 years) but it still has a stigma doesn't it. You are not supposed to get PD at 45!

Anyway I suppose that will do for now....speak soon

Bernie

p.s. oh, and I am also blessed with epilepsy as well!...ah well, onwards and upwards.

[suzie Q]

Hi Bernie
Welcome to the forum it is a great place for information and support.
I have had parkinson's since i was 48 i am 53 now.It is young there are others on the forum diagnosed a lot younger.I live in Australia,Tasmania.talk again soon got to get ready for work

Sue

[Gail]

Hi Bernie, welcome aboard. I was diagnosed at 50, but was showing symptons long before that. I still work and also manage 35 staff. I can't decide if working is keeping me going or making it worse. I think we all cope some days better than others. I hope you enjoy this forum as much as I have. It is srangely comforting to know others are experiencing the same thing you are. Gail

[Drew Saunders]

Hi BG,
Yeh Dystonia is a "real" pain. I have it in my right foot (it's a sod driving!) and my left hand.
I feel for everyone who has early onset of PD. I am 62 and disagnosed 8 years ago although did have it for maybe 3/4 years before neurologist confirmed. I think it is easier to accept in later years. Epilepsy as well? You are just showing off. Joke. Brit sense of humour. It must be difficult for you to be upbeat with what is on your plate and coping with a full time job with all that travelling has my admiration. If you have looked around this forum you will realise that a sense of humour is paramount and live each day as it comes rather than trying to project what MAY happen in the future. I suppose at least by keeping yourself so busy helps you to focus on your daily tasks rather then dwelling on your medical probs.
Do you have problems with meds for epilepsy and PD? I.E. side effects or meds cancelling out each other?
I fully understand you continuing to work so that the "baby" of the family can get through Uni. Please check profile of ltd-addition; I think she could give you some good advice.(She is also early onset but holding down full time job).
I speak to her regularly on web cam. She is a very bright kookie. Just make sure you have your English/Geordie phrase book handy.(She is based in South Shields). I assume that the firm you work for do not have a problem with your medical conditions and do not put you under stress to leave or are trying to shove you out the side door? The Disabilty Discrection Act is not taken on board by every employer. I wish you well and continued successful in your day to day struggles, Regards, Drew