I will be 61 years old next month and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 13 months ago. My main symptom was and still is rigidity or stiffness of my right-hand side. I also have some difficulty writing. The original diagnosis was confirmed three months later by a second neurologist. I am on one tablet of pramipexole (Sifrol), 0.25 mg three times a day. Four months ago my neurologist added Biperiden, 2 mg. Now, I take half a tablet of Biperiden three times a day. Since the original diagnosis, my stiffness has slowly increased. Published: February 24 ::

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 37. My father had it, so I don't know if it's my luck or heredity. My first problem was fine motor skills, especially writing. After five years of waiting, I saw a neurologist who confirmed my fears. I was immediately started on Sinemet. All of this was 22 years ago. I will be 59 in a few days. I have had good luck with the Sinemet and other meds like Mirapex, but I am extremely tired now. I have also noticed cognitive decline, but that is also related to a now-removed brain tumor. I also have had type 1 diabetes for 30 years. Published: November 11 ::

I’m 25 and for the last few weeks I have noticed that my fingers and hands shake a lot and my fingers want to jerk and twitch. I lose track of my concentration. I can’t remember things. My mom was my age when I first noticed her doing the same thing. Published: August 19 ::

My sister was diagnosed a week ago after several years of being told she had "restless leg syndrome.” She has very bad toe cramps, where here foot looks like a claw and is very painful. She also "freezes" on trying to stand from a sitting position. She speaks so quickly and "gabbles" that we are unable to decipher what she is saying. She is now very unsteady on her feet and has fallen several times; we are obviously very concerned about this as she lives alone. She is 84 years old. Her neurosurgeon has suggested that she should move into a "lodge" with 24 hour supervision. Published: August 19 ::

My Parkinson’s first started at age 46. I was a paramedic and as it progressed and my gait was changing, I knew something was wrong, so I went to a neurologist. Very early on, my lips were quivering. The medications have helped, and I am able to function — just a little slower now. Published: July 29 ::

I am 62 years of age and was quickly diagnosed with Parkinson’s 8 months ago. My only symptoms to date are shakiness (increasing) and general reduction of control and strength of the left hand. Lately, I experience a general tightness of the chest accompanied by periodic sudden feelings of shortness of breath. I also become quite dizzy when performing any athletic function (jogging). I have been quite active and hope to continue. I am on Levodopa/Carbidopa, 100/25. Published: October 30 ::

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in my mid to late 40's. I had hand tremors for several years. Gradually becoming worse. I then noticed when I was tired the tremors were worse. I started falling for no apparent reason. I now have stiffness in my legs and need to walk with 2 canes or a walker. I am very slow getting around. I am now 54 years old. I am forgetful at times and have difficulty expressing myself. I have difficulty swallowing at times. I become tired easily. Published: August 06 ::

I remember my arms quit swinging and the tremor started when I was about 44 or 45. My son was one of the first to go to Iraq and I had also started a new more stressful job. I thought it was stress. I am a nurse and I spoke with a neurologist at the facility and he suggested an MRI and a neurologist in private practice. I went to the neuro and had the MRI. The neuro did not think I had it then. He thought it was benign orthostatic tremors. The symptoms got progressively worse, shuffling gait, poor balance, no arm swing, tremors. People would say you are shaking my reply would be , “that's what I do.” I went back to the neuro and have been diagnosed for about six months. I am now 50. Getting the meds tweaked. I feel good most of the time, have a good supportive family. Published: August 06 ::

I have an essential tremor which delayed diagnosis but I was diagnosed at 54. I responded slowly to Madopar and it started wearing off within a year. Currently I am on Mysoline 250mg in 3 doses for the essential tremor. Madopar 200mgfour times a day. Sifrol 1mg three times a day. My worst problems are now mostly drug related. Insomnia (never had difficulty until Madopar. Reduced impulse control (I spend money much more and gamble more). I haven’t stopped talking since I was started on Sifrol. I babble to everyone and if no animate object is around I talk to the walls/floor chair. It used to be quiet in my head. Mostly it’s cheerful but I would really like to shut up! Published: June 12 ::