I posted a similar topic over at the forums at but this community seems much more 'hopping,' so am hoping for some guidance and friendship here as well.

I am a 29 year old female and my mom, who is 50, was diagnosed with Parkinson's last Friday. She started with a slight tremor in her left hand when walking probably a year and a hafl ago. The tremor has progressively gotten worse and is now in that characteristic 'pill-rolling' stage. She also has a tremor in her left thigh. Her handwriting has just recently deteriorated. Her left arm does not swing much when she walks and the doctor also noticed some gait problems. He also noticed rigidity in her left arm.

I am so unbelievably shocked and scared. Of course, I go online and read horror stories of people not living long. But then again, I read wonderful, uplifiting stories of people living with Parkinson's for 30+ years. I am somewhat comforted by those examples.

The neurologist has recommended that my mother see a Parkinson's expert, apparently one of the best in the nation, at UVA. She will hopefully get in to see him or one of his residents soon. She has not been prescribed any medications yet, since we are obviously at the very beginning of this journey.

I'll be accompanying her to the doctors visits as often as I can. I'm terribly scared that her Parkinson's is the type that progresses rapidly, because her symptoms seem to have done so.

I dont' know what I'm looking for other than encouragement and maybe some guidance as to what to ask the doctor and how to start this. I'm so scared that I'll lose her and soon. It worries me to no end.

Thank you... in advance.