My PD Story

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. 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 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 (a neurologist with specialized training in Parkinson’s and movement disorders). After an exam and a DaTscan, 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 helped me better understand this complex, often misunderstood disease. The 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 — 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 and What To Do After You Notice Parkinson’s Symptoms.