Now, admittedly, I was ready for a metaphorical MDS love affair.

I had just come off a 6-month bad date with a general neurologist who wouldn't have recognized young onset PD if it bit him on his midbrain, was as able to listen cross-gender as i am to translate Heidegger, and was as arrogant as the sun about to be blindsided by an eclipse.

The context, of course, was PD hitting me like a train wreck in slow motion and, had MJFF not recommended that I consult an MDS to clarify my self-diagnosis, I would surely be 100% dead by now, lowering disease duration estimates for us all. Sorry, but that is the truth.

Here are my great MDS loves, to whom I profess my eternal gratitude: Maria Sangiorgio, Danna Jennings and Diana Richardson. Each have helped in different ways, from diagnosis to treatment, research to education. All have treated me with unwavering kindness and respect, and have given generously of their time. They are the angels on my shoulders, whispering answers and encouragement and hope.

So, yes, seeing an MDS is, IMHO, essential.

Just my two cents.