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At 33 years of age, after working in the medical field for 10 years, it was a surprise that I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease. Early-onset is the same as Parkinson's disease, yet is diagnosed in a younger person.

Parkinson's disease is a difficult condition to diagnose. There are no blood tests or x-rays. Responsibility for diagnosis is put upon type of symptoms, length of symptoms, and response to medications such as Sinemet. Because of the lack of diagnostic tools and the slow progression of my disorder, I was not diagnosed, and officially have not been diagnosed to this date, as having Parkinson's disease. Early symptoms of fatigue, muscle stiffness and weakness were misinterpreted as fibromyalgia or arthritis. Disorders such as multiple sclerosis and lupus were ruled out. It was not until I had taken antidepressant medication, or SSRIs after the start of Parkinsonian symptoms that I have really experienced full-blown symptoms and a diagnosis. The SSRIs or antidepressants release the dopamine that is depleted in Parkinson's disease patients.

Even though I have had all of the Parkinson's disease symptoms, even on physical exam by a doctor, and have a great response to the medications prescribed, I still do not have an official diagnosis of Parkinson's disease at this time. Because the incidence of early-onset Parkinson's disease is rare, doctors tend to look for other possibilities. It is very difficult to get proper treatment without an accurate diagnosis in any disorder and it can be frustrating for
those with early-onset Parkinson's disease as this is a common situation for all of us.

Treatment for Parkinson's disease is improving and ongoing research is being done, mostly in thanks to Michael J. Fox who also suffers from this disease and was also diagnosed at an early age. As in my case, as I am slowly progressing, I am fortunate that I am still able to function for the most part, especially after newly being prescribed the Parkinson's disease medicine Sinemet. Future outlook is also positive.

I am 33 years old. I am a wife, a mother. I live with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

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