Four years ago I went to a sod farm and loaded 40 pc of large sod myself. The next weekend I loaded an additonal 24 pc. I also unloaded and laided them myself at home. It has now been two years since my diagnosis of PD. I went back to the sod farm last weekend and to my suprise and embarrassment couldn't lift a single piece of sod. Is loss of physical strength a part of Parkinson's or am I just letting myself get out of shape?

I developed resting tremors in 06. In 07, the tremors became constant. I went to a neurologist and he believed that my tremors were trauma and stress induced. (I lost my husband in a terrorist attack.) In 08, tremors got worse. Two different neurologists said I have PD... but both acted as though they had just told me I had a sinus infection... saying, "You have PD. I want you to take this." And "this", btw was two different things. There was no discussion about the drugs or PD. I decided not to take any medications until I learned more...but I can't seem to find answers and symptoms are getting worse. I still have two sons to raise alone.Here are some of my questions:1. I've seen people with PD who sway back and forth. Is that a PD symptom, or caused by medications?2. What are the risks and side effects of PD medications?3. I've read about people with PD who are still very active, and that puzzles me. I used to run and rollerblade. I was active and in good shape. Now it's hard to even walk, and my muscles are weak. I also have pain and lumps in muscles in my right leg. Is this common?4. Last fall I went to Denver to house hunt. My grown son lives there, and we want to be close to him. I was there for 3 months the year before and didn't have any real problems with the altitude. However, last fall I nearly passed out and had to go to ER. My blood pressure dropped when I stood up, and I had a hard time catching my breath a lot. I figured that I had this problem because PD symptoms had worsened... so I canceled plans to move there. How does altitude affect PD? Would it be best to rule out living in a high altitude area?5. What about driving? Does PD qualify me for handicap parking? Will I eventually have to stop driving?6. What do you know about acupuncture therapy for PD?7. How can I find the right doctors for me? Looking in the phone book is a shot in the dark.8. Since OT and PT helped before,,, can I be in continued OT and PT therapy?9. Will I be able to get LTC insurance now that I've been diagnosed with PD? I want to start planning for my future.BTW - essential tremors began at age 39.. though I think there were signs as early as 34. I was diagnosed at age 42. I am now 43.

The confirmation diagnosis came in January after noticing the resting tremor in my husbands right hand. He was 46 then. When we got in with a neurologist several tests were done to rule out stroke and peripheral neuropathy, but Parkinson's was #1 suspect. However, 1st doctor backed off Parkinson's dx and went for peripheral neuropathy prescribing Cymbalta for depression and pain. At one of those appointments, I discovered that my husband of 26 years was hiding things from me. He leaves for work before I get up for work so it was easily hid. Not using right pants pocket, brushing teeth with left hand, using mouse with left hand. It was affecting his entire right side and he was compensating. We have since changed doctors. He still takes cymbalta, Salengaline (?SP)and Mirapex. Tried the ropinarole but was not well tolerated and Mirapex is much better. He watches his diet, takes stool softeners, Milk of Magnesia, and still often relies on ememas for the severe constipation. Our youngest son is a senior in high school this year and our futures financially and as empty nesters scare me. How can I judge how fast this is progressing? He has 25 years in at his work. When should he take disability and retire? I really suspect he is not being honest with me regarding the degree to which Parkinson's is affecting him.

4 years postdiagnosis, currently taking Sinemet & Requip - I can manage all the symptoms until I get to the golf course. Would CoQ-10 help my short game around the greens?If so, what strength? I am a retired golf professional, so giving up the game is extremely difficult.