If you could give one piece of advice to someone new to PD, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, what would it be?

Mine, I think, would be: Find a good MDS with a sense of humor. Or maybe, Take control of your own condition and learn enough to participate in all decisions. Or (one piece of advice is hard) perhaps, Work hard at having fun, attitude is everything.

I would like to hear your thoughts.

Great question! And one answer is hard...here's my short list:

1. Get long term care insurance (if not yet diagnosed).

2. Take stock of your financial situation, disability options, etc.

3. Start doing all of those fun things you have put off for "later"! "Later" is NOW! Cherish your friends and family.

That third one should probably be number one. Also: Find something you enjoy that gets you moving (mine is gardening) - yoga, dance, whatever. Keep doing it, hopefully for many, many years.

Such a difficult question - but I'lll try to limit myself to one answer. In my opinion, I guess I'd say that when you start medicationn (and hold off as long as you can), take it ON TIME, whether you feel you need it or not. Keeping those dopamine levels consistent is so important.

I would probably add that rest is important, also (sleep I mean).
Peggy

I too can't say just one thing. But here are my suggestions (I've just been doing this with a newly diagnosed friend.)

If you're an information seeker, learn all that you can through good internet sources like this forum and PD organizations web sites plus up to date books. Find a neurologist who will respect your involvement in your treatment and respond to reasonable queries. And try not to freak out when you read about symptoms that scare you. Chances are you may never experience them or if so, it may be far down the road. And I'll repeat Pam's have fun and have a good attitude!

katherine

I would say you need someone who supports you and listens to you (significant other, friend, online groups)
and donot let PD dominate your life

BE positive!

Girija

PS: Its easier to tell others what to do.......For the first 2-3 years I did exactly the opposite of what I wrote above.

girija

Destress NOW, before the damage forces you to.

It will affect you now more than ever, eliminate it from your life as much as possible! An understanding, supportive family/partner is more than worth their weight in gold! REALLY.

I agree with all the suggestions that have been mentioned to this point. I think my number 1 thing would be:
Know that just because you have PD it is not a death sentence. Go and do what ever you like as long as the disease will allow you to do it. Life is too short to curl up and hide in a corner.

GregD

Something or a multitude of things caused your body to want to shut down. It's never to late to reevaluate your life and make changes. What's important and what's not worth getting sick over. Take better care of yourself and ENJOY life.
Max