Hi @aperob, <br><br>Pretty scary, huh? <br><br>I was diagnosed about a year ago but didn't stumble onto this site until a couple months ago. Unlike some resources, we unfortunately have real experience with PD and we can relate.<br><br>I had to laugh when my neurologist asked if I was anxious or depressed. Well of course I was in those first few weeks. But as I dug into it I realized it can a treatable condition for years before it really impacts day to day living. The trick is to keep enjoying life. After all, Michael J Fox has had it for 25 years or more so far and he is still working and doing talk shows. And my wife and I are taking a two week cruise in a couple months. Life goes on. This is just another speed bump.<br><br>So, "welcome" to the group.<br><br><br><br>Coleen, did you have any more info on Azilect/food from your pharmacist?<br><br>>

Yes, the answer from the Mayo Clinic pharmacist is posted here:
- Questions about Azilect as a mono therapy for Parkinson's http://mayocl.in/2clLdN6

Could I ask a question to anyone with Parkinson's- I was diagnosed with Agent Orange Parkinson's over 2 years ago- I also have Serve Scoliosis from jumping out of Helicopters in the Army ( off and on- for over 40 years plus while in the Army) So the pain in my spine really keeps me off balance- as well does the Parkinson's- can I ask what is the worse part of your day with Parkinson's- I don't ever have a good day, or pain free day- but still , some days are better than others,except the depression is always there- sometimes much worse at times than even the pain. The side affects of PD is so more much than I would have guessed- not to mention the days when all of a sudden you start shaking so hard for about 5-10 minutes, and it happens out of no where, for me usually when I'm out in public- people look at you-as you are drunk or on drugs- and I only drink Starbucks and my Doctors given medication. sometimes I want to say to such a person, - do you know why I'm shaking, or do you even care? but that to me would be rude, which I would not do anyway- it would cause a problem that no one needs right. JJ

Thank you John James for sharing your experiences of living with Parkinson's here. I'm sure that @aperob @hopeful33250 @trouble4343 @ggopher @denie57 and @hdruss can relate. The stares in public when you are shaking are of course based in ignorance. So often it is left to the person with the condition to educate others.

I'd be interested in hearing from the group - What, if anything, have you said to people in public that have helped them understand?

I have no external signs of PD at this time other than a little stiffness, altered gait and a bit reduced dexterity. Sometimes I am not totally focused. Since I am totally gray-haired, people I don't know just assume it is generic old age that doesn't merit a second glance. I don't know what I'll do when that changes. I'll be following the conversation for ideas. Hope the group can help.<br><br>Steve

JohnJames,
Just listening to podcast 328 by Popular Science that included a segment on Essential Tremors being treated non-invasively by high intensity focused ultrasound just approved by the FDA. One lady was treated at Weill Cornell and reference was made to http://www.weillcornellbrainandspine.org. but that page hasn't been maintained since mid-2015. I know ET is not the same as PD, but you might ask your doctor if there might be similar work being done for PD.

Thanks for sharing part of your story-(ggogher) Have you found that the anxiety increases as time goes by? I was diagnosed a little over 2 years ago and the anxiety has continued to increase, the internal anxiety- I was told by a VA Agent Orange Doctor - will increase as long as Parkinson's does. I thought, wow-that's not an real encouragement - but the reason for those who have both, is that when I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's they didn't tell me then of the Internal Anxiety Issues` I don't think it affects everyone in that way, it depends if you have been struggling with PTSD, than the anxiety is doubled because of the Parkinson's- it's a complete difference way of diagnosing the PD then if a person who wasn't exposed to the agent orange chemicals. I'm not sure if this is any help-to anyone. JJ

I was diagnosed about 14 months ago, Agent Orange presumed. Nothing was said about internal anxiety. I was asked if I felt depressed or anxious and I thought it was a joke. Well Duh, you just told me I have Parkinson's, what would you expect?<br><br>I've not been screened for PTSD but have no reason to think I should. I've actually improved mentally since a couple months after diagnosis as the Sinemet seems to have the limited symptoms under control and my new doctor is much more supportive and positive.<br><br>Steve

@ggopher Hi Steve: Thanks for sharing about the "internal anxiety" and Parkinson's. I'm glad that you brought up that topic. It is certainly not regularly listed in the PD symptoms. While I don't have AO experience (albeit my ex-husband was a Viet Nam vet). I have been part of PD support groups for a number of years. I've heard about "internal tremors" being part of PD symptoms and I can certainly relate to that. I've always had what I thought was anxiety and did not realize there was such a thing as "internal tremors" which feels like anxiety. Interestingly enough, when I started carbidopa/levodopa treatment for PD the "anxiety" was reduced.