One morning you look at your right hand and notice that your ring finger is shaking or tremoring by itself. Perhaps your entire hand is shaking. "Oh, it's just nerves....I've been under alot of stress lately at work and it will settle down once I take a day or two off." But it doesn't. In fact, it is getting worse.

Okay, I'll go see the doctor about it. She'll probably laugh and tell me it is just my nerves. So, you find yourself sitting on the examination table and your ring finger is at it again. You justify work as being the cause. She looks at it closely and compares with your other hand. She looks at your fingers next to your shaking ring finger. "Sure, they're not moving, but it's just nerves, right?" She frowns as she asks you to do some dexterity exercises. She writes down a neurologist's name and tells you to see him as soon as possible. You're concerned because SHE is concerned.

Next thing you know, you are on the neurologist's exam table. He looks at your shaking finger, does more dexterity tests. Checks your reflexes. Watches you walk down the hallway. He sits on his stool and watches your face for a long period of time. You try to tell him, "Doc, really....it's just nerves" but he continues his exam. He swivels around, writes in your chart and prescribes medication.

The Diagnosis

"Anyone in your family ever have Parkinson's?" he asks. You think for a moment and remember your great uncle who had it and respond yes. He looks at you and tells you it's not nerves, it's not work, it's not anything that is poo-pooable.

"Miss, you have Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. Here are some pamphlets and a prescription for Sinemet. Call me if you have any questions. I will let your doctor know the diagnosis." You take the pamphlets, the prescriptions and walk out of the office on remote control.

You make it to the car and sit inside for a few stunned moments. Then you cry.

So What Does it Feel Like? What are some Sy