I’m a stay at home mom to an adult daughter with autism.
I was diagnosed 5 years ago, When I was 52 years old.
I have more off time than I used to. Your body gets used to the medicine. I’m waiting to go see a movement disorder specialist. They know more than a neurologist.
Do the people at work know you have Parkinson’s? If so, I wouldn’t worry about it. As long as you’re doing your job, that’s all that matters.
It really doesn’t matter what you tell people they’re always going to look at you. I don’t have a tremor except for maybe at night

Hopefully, you can get some answers here. God bless and keep your head up.

Hi bob hope you are having a good day

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. Hello Bob. I want to share with you that as I was trying to process the fact that I had Parkinson’s, there were a myriad of emotions I was experiencing. I didn’t know anything about Parkinson’s, and that I think added to my feelings of fear. I was afraid to even read about it. However that only leads one to great imaginings that caused worse fear and dread. I made the decision to walk through my fear and go onto the PD Foundation and begin to read about this disease. To my surprise, the more I learned about PD the more my fear lessened. I had seen PD as a life sentence, as hopeless, and one in which I was powerless. Learning how exercise made such a huge difference concerning progression, meeting people on this team that had PD for 30 yrs., and learning the truth concerning PD caused my imaginings to dissipate. Truth really does set you free. I had to learn to keep watch over my thoughts because imaginings can try to pop up & can only lead you to fear again. Hang on to the truth.

Another thing I want to say is concerning your high position in your company. It seems that you are trying to imagine what your coworkers would say or do. How they would look at you. Would they see you as less than the man you have been and STILL ARE? Trying to hide your tremors is like wrapping rope all around your body to keep it from moving. What a tremendous amount of stress you are putting yourself through. If I was in your position I would hope I would put any shame under my feet. There is no shame in having Parkinson’s. I would hope I could come out into the light and stand in the truth of what you have discovered. Consider the best in people not the worst. I expect there are many who would support you and not see you as anyone other than who you have always been. I am not minimizing your pain & the emotions that you must be feeling. It is an enormous responsibility you have carried, but also a tremendous weight now of uncertainty as to what to do and how to hide your symptoms. I would imagine you have a board of people you trust. Maybe consider gathering these that you trust and telling them about your diagnosis and the concerns you have. Those closest to you can be a great support and share with you their thoughts. You would no longer stand alone but with those who will help you to discern your next steps. I hope you will consider my meager thoughts. You are suffering and that hurts my heart. You are welcome to tell me to mind my own business, It’s ok. These are merely my thoughts. Blessings and Prayers,
Carol ……….. Scottsmom 💕🙏🏼💕😊

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A MyParki...

Thank you all!

I don't know what your situation is but I sure am happy I was able to retire a bit early. By living simply my husband and I have been able to travel and enjoy our time together. Stress really aggravates my symptoms and working as a nurse in critical care was too much. It's a full time job taking care of yourself properly when you have PD. Speaking for myself, I have a pretty good quality of life (most days).
But in answer to your questions:
1. I have tried to accept the diagnosis and not waste a lot of time worrying about what is to come. After all , I could be taken out by a bus tomorrow. But I'm alive today!
2. I don't try to hide it anymore. Often people are surprised when they find out I have Parkinson's. I recognize that everyone has their own unique collection of symptoms and often progression is much faster in some cases. I have worked very hard but also I am extremely lucky.
Best wishes and good luck to you!