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  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Living with Parkinson's](/living-with-parkinsons)
- [My PD Story](/living-with-parkinsons/stories)
 
  

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Dan Charette headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/Dan_Charette.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=qmgD-w5J)  

 People with PD 

##  Dan Charette 

 

  Six years ago, I was a 53-year-old man, in great shape, a successful realtor and [caregiver](/resources-support/carepartners "For Care Partners") to my partner of 25 years. I started noticing changes in my ability to [run](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/trouble-moving "Trouble Moving or Walking"), walk and [write](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/small-handwriting "Small Handwriting") and I suffered from a [tremor](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/tremor "Tremor") in my right hand. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Having so many responsibilities already, focusing on Parkinson’s was not at the forefront of my life. After my partner passed away, I realized that I had let the [PD symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") take over.

Everything I read focused on the fact that Parkinson’s was a progressive disease, and that I wasn't going to get any better. I wasted the next 4 years, having given up hope. I woke up one day and decided that I wasn't going to go down without a fight. While searching online for information about PD, I came across the [Parkinson’s Foundation website](/node/79 "Homepage"). The Foundation’s [resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") helped me learn more about PD symptoms. From there, I decided that instead of looking at Parkinson’s symptoms as a whole, I could break them out individually and slowly work on getting better.

My worst symptom was [stiffness](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/rigidity "Rigidity") in my right leg and foot. I could barely walk a half block without experiencing [pain](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/pain "Pain"). I had a gym at my disposal but quickly realized that due to my symptoms, the treadmill was not an option for me. I then noticed the rowing machine — specifically the foot straps. The straps would keep my foot from "wandering" so I could get in a workout.

Fast forward six months later: I lost 13 pounds, and I am rowing 5,000 meters a day without pain! It took a few months to get over the hump regarding pain. I no longer have tremors. I look great for a 58-year-old man. I walk 2 hours every morning and have taken up juggling to enhance my hand-eye coordination!

Through friends and family, I have met several folks with PD since my diagnosis and have shared my story with them. My story has given them hope for a more normal life, and they can see the proof — in me! I have never been in better shape, and I don't have as many obstacles to deal with on a daily basis. Most people can't believe I even have Parkinson’s. [Exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") has been a miracle in taking control of my symptoms and living a better life. I even purchased a three-level townhome, without an elevator.

I continue to counsel people who are [newly diagnosed](/living-with-parkinsons/new-to-parkinsons "New to Parkinson's") with PD and am happy to keep them from making the mistakes that I did.

**Get moving with our PD-tailored exercise videos. Explore our [Fitness Friday workouts](https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/online-education/pdhealth#ff).**

  ##  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) 

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 ![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) 

  

 

 ###  Share your Story 

 Do you have an experience with Parkinson's that you would like to share?

 [SUBMIT YOUR STORY](/living-with-parkinsons/my-pd-story/submit) 

 

 

 

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