That's unreal so many are struggling.... Especially those under 50.
My health issues started at age 47, I've felt ripped off that I wasn't able to do the things I wanted to do.

I started to notice symptoms as early as age 41; I can remember the exact date, in fact ...because it was the year I becane a Bat mitzvah. I had all kinds of crazy issues we couldn't link together at first. Most of them started well before the tremors did. I became over heated super easy -- with nearly no warning, and especially when stresssed. My hands shook a lot, no matter the circumstance. .At first, it was attibuted to an essential tremor, but it got worse and wouldn't stop. I lost balance, fell constantly, had back pain on standing and horrific, days long bouts of insomnia. I was 48 when we were sure and I was diagnosed. I'm 56 now. TIME FLIES, DOESN'T IT? LOL. The most frustrating thing continues to be the non-neurological symptoms I have. They're the things most people don't recognize and won't see....though I'm doing well on mediication, it's a constant battle against 'off time'.....and that there dosn't seem to be an end in sight. Even worse is the fact that the treatments that seem to help me out the most -- like yoga, masssage, even things like PT ... Well, most of them, even though they are essential to for me to function, provide continued good health and aid in my mental wellbeing, THEY ARE ONLY PARTIALLY COVERED by insurance OR NOT AT ALL. Not complaining - most days are good, and they are stil filled with possibilities. Just sayin'.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, you should be able to drink one or two cups of caffeinated beverage like coffee or tea, without any trouble, especially if you drink those with a lower amount of caffeine. Light coffee has a greater amount of caffeine, but a lighter flavor as well. Darker roasts have a stronger taste but less caffeine. With all due respect for those who use caffeine tablets, you might want to discuss it with your doctor; straight caffeine like that has been occassionally associated with caffeine-induced psychosis, and depending on the person, can make PD symptoms worse. I couldn't stand to have mine worse. Also, if you have any kind of heart arrhythmias, caffeine will exacerbate the problem. I had to cut back on caffeine when I developed Afib, for instance. Your doctor should always be consulted with if you want to go off a medication or start one, especially since OTCs that are "natural", can interfere with any meds, or cause more problems, and your doctor should know regardless.
Elbow bump,
Teresa

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A MyParki...

I am sorry, too. I taught for 20 years, help bring up an incredible young man that is making this world a better place. I gained the confidence in myself as a woman with parkinsons because I decided PD was not going to take the gold ring on the caroysel ride, I am and it will be on my terms. If I die today I know I have done my part to inspire, nourish and and make the world a better place. There is definitely some cosmic force that wants me to stick around so I don't think I done.:) Anything is possible!

I so feel for you. My husband is 76 and at least we had our younger years free of this disease. God give you stsrength and take care of you.