Hello All,

I am new to these boards. My husband was disgnosed with young onset PD at 41 just a couple weeks ago. Its a heck of a Christams present and we are both just coming out of shock. There is not one group in the Dallas area for young onset PD, and yes we do intend to start one once we get our feet with this situation, however for the time being I have many questions.

Right now I was wondering if any kind person would be willing to share a little about their own story. It will help us connect with you and feel less alone, but also I am wondering about the different ways this disease progresses over time.

I was wondering how old you were when diagnosed? What were the early symptoms? What were the later symptoms and how long did they take to progress? Are you on a Levodopa drug and if so When did you begin it?

I'm happy to go first.

18 months ago David noticed when he was in triangle pose during yoga his hips and thighs would tremor with exertion. We did not think it meant anything. 12 months ago I noticed when he was mad or stressed or hungry his hands and sometimes torso and face would shake. He always shook a little even as a teenager so we thought it was an essential tremor perhaps getting worse with age. He also slowed down his movements.
We started going to doctors 8 months ago when he began noticing weakness in his right hand and his left index finger would extend when he wasnt paying attention. By 4 months ago his left wrist would also extend and his elbows bent up at the arms. By a month ago his right arm stopped swinging when he walked and now when he becomes upset or stressed he gets a full on tremor in his whole right arm.

We are on Azilect to hopefully slow the progression though we know it may not help. We are dubious about getting on a Levodopa drug until we have to because of the side effects. Is this correct thinking?

Thank you again. I look forward to getting to know you all and appreciate the fact that you are here.