Hello, Chris

I’m sorry it doesn’t answer your question directly, but I think this might be relevant:

I recently contacted a highly respected friend for an opinion on an optical matter: His reply saddened me greatly, and brought home the harsh reality of life:

“Partly because of Parkinsons, I fear I can’t help with your […] query – I feel I don't think as clearly as I once did, and any contribution would be difficult.”

I have met with him since, and this great man is a shadow of his former self; both physically and in terms of ‘attention’ … There is still a great mind inside that feeble body, I hasten to add !

MichaelG.

I was diagnosed with Parkinsons about 3 years ago, though I'm sure I had symptoms before that. At the moment. mine's not too bad and doesn't really physically stop me from doing anything. I am finding that my dexterity is waning somewhat and certain tasks are a bit tricky when the shaking is bad, but I do manage to get most things done that I want to. What I am finding though, is that the actual will to do things is declining more than I would like – some days I find I just can't summon up the enthusiasm to do stuff and I also find that tasks which take more mental 'computing power' sometimes just defeat me totally. However, as you say, everyone is different, so I think you just have to accept things as they come. Being on the right medication for you can also help greatly, so try to be frank and honest about your feelings with whichever doctor is caring for you. I do hope you've been told that they can't stop the shaking, though I have found that mine has improved a fair bit with a stronger dose of medication.

Feel free to ask any more questions that you may have.

Gordon

Some people trundle along for years and cope ok

others have a terrible time with it

It's all in the hands of the gods (Darwinism), old age is not for the faint hearted

My old boy is due to have his ear chopped off sometime soon, skin cancer

Really sorry to read this. I knew a chap when I was a teenager, volunteering at a local narrow gauge line. He'd not long been diagnosed with parkinsons when I first started volunteering. Apparently he was one of the first on some kind of wonder drug for it, and he went about another 5 or 6 years still able to drive, volunteer and be quite active, then another couple of years with his model railway at home. He was a lovely bloke. I wish you the best.

Chris – if you haven't already, then get a referral to the neurology department of your preferred hospital, where they have the experience to treat you properly. I started on a fairly low dose of medication, but my consultant has gradually increased the frequency of the doses and this seems to have helped quite a bit. Parkinson's UK have lots of help and information on their website and can also put you in touch with local groups for further help.

Gordon