## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons) - [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) # My PD Story ![Carole holding her grandchildren](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Carole-Schmidt.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=mHQNiOYU) People with PD ## Carole Schmidt My adventure with Parkinson’s disease (PD) started 19 years ago when my primary care physician noticed a slight [tremor](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") in my hand and sent me to a neurologist for tests. One year later, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I have been pleased under his care, as he has been cautious increasing dosages, and has not been too quick to introduce new [PD medications](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications "Prescription Medications"). Now that my needs are increasing, I am thankful he didn't prescribe too much too soon. A few years ago, I started a PD support group at my church. I reached out to the [Parkinson's Foundation Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") — at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) — for information and was grateful for their provision of both basic and more advanced information. The support group was successful, with a monthly attendance of about 15 people, including [caregivers](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners"). As time passed, I became overwhelmed with preparation and leading the meetings, so the group disbanded. Sharing some of my bumps in the road... have you ever [hallucinated](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/hallucinations-delusions "Hallucinations/Delusions")? One day I saw a cute mouse, dressed in a tuxedo. He ran from the kitchen to where I was sitting at my computer, he saw me and ran back. I set mouse traps. Days later, when he neither reappeared nor got caught, I realized he did not exist. I take three pills during the night (2 a.m. and 4 a.m.). This has been the answer to help me wake in the morning and take PD medications with breakfast, then waiting until noon before I have the energy or balance to do anything other than sit. It took about two weeks to fine-tune the timing. I hadn't told my neurologist what I was trying. I called the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline for their opinion of my unusual scheduling and was advised to discuss it with my doctor. He gave me a green light. My physician and neurologist are both retiring. I am not happy. So, I called the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline for recommendations of PD specialists in my area. Although they provided some, they were too far for me to drive. I am exploring local neurologists, and trusting God to lead where He thinks best for me. I am in good spirits and try to give a listening ear and TLC to homebound friends. My hubby of 62 good years and I laughed a lot, and I continue (he passed six years ago) to. I connected with the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline several years ago, and I view it as an always open door for help. I have appreciated them from day one. Without my hubby and my retiring doctors, I have almost found a "second home" with the Parkinson’s Foundation information specialists. With every phone call to the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline, I ask for advice, information or opinion on minor and major issues connected to PD. I have always been connected to a patient, pleasant, interested, caring and knowledgeable Parkinson’s information specialist... who becomes more like a friend by the time I hang up. Parkinson’s is not the end of my story. I believe that with God's guidance, family, friends and the Parkinson's Foundation, I may have a few more years to enjoy life. **Call the** [**Parkinson's Foundation Helpline**](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") **1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.** ## More Stories from the Parkinson's community ![Edwin Castillo headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/edwin-castillo-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=i2krUKZL) People with PD ### [ Edwin Castillo ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/edwin-castillo) READ NOW ![Tamara posing for a picture in a blue dress](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/tamara-zanvardine-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=T3TnAZYR) People with PD ### [ Tamara Zanvardine ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/tamara-zanvardine) READ NOW ![Gary Krajewski headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/340x400/public/images/gary-krajewski-pd-story-hero.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=jbMtYx20) People with PD ### [ Gary Krajewski ](/living-with-parkinsons/stories/gary-krajewski) READ NOW [VIEW ALL STORIES](/living-with-parkinsons/stories) ### Parkinson's Foundation Helpline Contact 1-800-4PD-INFO or Helpline@Parkinson.org for answers to your Parkinson’s questions. [Learn More](/resources-support/helpline) - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn