I think you can post whatever you want here. Many people will identify with what you say and feel validated in their own feelings and perhaps be more willing to share things of substance.

Oohrah brother I am a retired Marine who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 11 years ago and I had a similar experience. I went to the doctor for an EMG to dètermine the cause of low back pain . The doctor told me that I had Parkinson’s which I had minor symptoms.
I noticed that my handwriting b had become very small and illegible, which I attributed to loss of fine motor skills (an (aging issue). I had one very intense dream about a year or so after I returned from Vietnam. I was stationed at Danang,RVN. Where it just so happened was the storage facility for Agent Orange. When I was diagnosed I had very minor symptoms. Today I can’t walk without aid. I need a an lectric wheelchair to get around . I also had prostate cancer and have been cancer free for paver 8 years .
Steve Cucchiara
Ltcol USMC(Ret)

In case you're wondering - at the suggestion of my Son, here's the first post from back then --

“You have early stage Parkinson’s Disease.”
Wait, what?
I thought it was a pinched nerve in my left elbow, but according to Neurology, the sum total of symptoms (going back 5+ years) add up to Parkinson’s.
The frozen shoulder, the tremors, the shuffling walk, the dizziness, sloppier handwriting, hoarse voice, and other random things all add up. The good news is I still sleep, I can smell, and (thanks to a very high fiber diet) I’m not constipated.

My visit to the VA Neurology dept. was at the referral of my PCP who was a bit worried when my trembling left arm wouldn’t stop during my routine exam. They got me in within a month and the NP and staff who saw me were more than caring and patient-focused. After a few tests and such things, the diagnosis came.

This is going to take awhile to sink in. What do I do now? What’s the prognosis? What can I expect?

Why me, I have no family history? But I do have the USMC and Camp Lejeune’s toxic water and an agent called Orange. I felt betrayed...but know I would do it again with no hesitation. The Corps gave me many good things during those days, and many positive things that I didn’t realize until years later.

And, to culminate the symptomatic response… I almost fell down the stairs as we were leaving the VA hospital.

WTF, Over.

Road Dog, I respect the mission you performed in Vietnam. I myself feel bad that you may have contracted Parkinson's while serving, I wish you well on your journey.

Stem cell therapy has what proposed effects on Parkinson’s disease and does anyone know whether it is covered by insurance? I’ve read a little on the subject and I’d like more information.