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  ## Breadcrumb

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

 

  # My PD Story

 

   ![Ken Chason at a restaurant outside](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/ken-chason-pd-story-preview.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=st6QPE2r)  

 People with PD 

##  Ken Chason 

 

  In April 2023, shortly after turning 56, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). At the time, I was immersed in a demanding career and didn’t have time for Parkinson’s. Wasn’t there a pill or a shot to make it go away? Well, no. I didn’t immediately accept that I was on a journey — I had a lot to learn.

Looking back, I’d been on that journey for years without realizing it. About five years before my diagnosis, my [handwriting grew smaller and messier](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/small-handwriting "Small Handwriting"). I couldn’t hold a pen quite right. I googled it: “classic symptom of Parkinson’s.” No way, I thought. I dismissed it.

Not long after, I began to feel “off” — a kind of baseline [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety") that didn’t feel like regular stress. That eventually passed with treatment. Then, while walking one day, I noticed my left arm just hanging there. Wasn’t it supposed to swing? I checked again: “classic symptom of Parkinson’s.” Still, I pushed it aside. I was too young, I told myself.

Then came a twitchy thumb. A foot tremor. I finally asked my primary care doctor, “Could this be Parkinson’s?” The response: “Possible, but not likely.”

When the tremor worsened, I was referred to a[ movement disorders specialist](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/building-your-team "Building Your Care Team") (a neurologist with specialized training in Parkinson’s and movement disorders). After an exam and a [DaTscan](/understanding-parkinsons/getting-diagnosed#datscan "Getting Diagnosed"), I had my answer. It was Parkinson’s.

> What next? I turned to the Parkinson’s Foundation to bridge the gap between diagnosis and this unexpected detour in life.

Its [library of resources](/resources-support "Resources & Support") helped me better understand this complex, often misunderstood disease. The [Helpline](/resources-support/helpline "Helpline") was invaluable. I joined a local support group and connected with others online, learning from their experiences and offering my own.

Two years into this journey, what advice would I give? First, don’t go at it alone. Learn everything you can and connect with others. Next, [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") — early and often. And finally, don’t ignore the little signs. That left arm might be trying to tell you something.

**Learn the [10 early signs of Parkinson’s](/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-signs "10 Early Signs") and** **[What To Do After You Notice Parkinson’s Symptoms](/blog/awareness/after-symptoms "What To Do After You Notice Parkinson’s Symptoms").**

  ##  Related Materials 

   Videos & Webinars 

###  [ Expert Briefing: Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between ](/library/videos/Tremors-Shakes-Everything-in-Between) 



 [Watch Now](/library/videos/Tremors-Shakes-Everything-in-Between)

   Videos & Webinars 

###  [ Anxiety and Parkinson's Disease ](/library/videos/anxiety) 



 [Watch Now](/library/videos/anxiety)

   Fact Sheets 

###  [ Parkinson's Exercise Recommendations ](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations) 



 [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/exercise-recommendations)

  

  ##  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  

 

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 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) 

  

 

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

 

 

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