Work

[mleec]

How long after diagnosis have any of you been able to work? I was hoping to work another 10 Years. I am 57. Just diagnosed spring 2017. Not on meds yet.

[laglag]

I was 46 when diagnosed 14 yrs ago. I retired almost 5 yrs ago. Getting rid of the stress was the best thing for my symptoms. So..save your money and retire sooner if you can, unless you don't have stress with your job. 😊

[mleec in reply to laglag]

Thanks for your response. I am a teacher lots of stress lol. My retirement has been cut 3x in 17 years. So trying to figure it all out. Thanks for the advices. 😊

[laglag in reply to mleec]

I went to a financial advisor and he helped me figure out a plan. I was actually better off than I thought.

[Bailey_Texas]

I made it almost 10 years. It was not the physical aspect of PD that got me it was the mental. I was the field coordinator for a surveyor at a Engineering firm. My job was to read plans and prepare information for the field crews to layout bridges, roads. tunnels or any thing that was built. The accuracy and the precision could be intense to maintain. The problem is you can be very precise but very inaccurate at the same time. The work was very detailed and stressful for me. One miscalculation could cost $100,000.

I started having panic attacks when i could not figure out plans or when a client would call with a problem.

The last two years i trained my best foreman to take over my job and then i retired. I trained him without telling my boss. I did it so there would be very little impact when i left. It is a small firm and i had been there for 20 years.

By the way in 20 years 1 made no mistakes that cost any money.

[mleec]

In a job like that precision is of the utmost importance. I think being aware of the best time to go is important. I am a middle school teacher. I am trying to move a little closer to my work. I am trying to balance work, grandkids, exercise and a social life. Work takes precedence due to fatigue. Thank you for the advice.

[Tribselyov]

I am a surgeon and my first major symptoms were micrograhia and bradykinesia. Once diagnosed I had no choice: retire.... much like when David met Ishbi-Benob..

[Sleeplessparki]

I was diagnosed in 2010 at 52. I was in a very stressful high paced sales job where I often had to present sales and financial data to senior management. I couldn’t control my tremor because of the anxiety these presentations caused me.....so I was able to keep it together for 4 grueling years before calling it a day at 55. I think it was the best thing I could have done. My recommendation is get out as quickly as possible and enjoy some good years while you have them. Best wishes on your journey with this insidious disease.

[mleec in reply to Sleeplessparki]

Thank you 😊

[JohnPepper]

I gave up my high-powered job on the day I was diagnosed. I was not in good shape and my job was very stressful. stress has a major effect on Pd. 2 years later I started doing fast walking and that is when I started to get better. Read my profile.

[StayPosEvryDay]

All of us know Parky affects each of us differently. I was diagnosed at age 61 the same year that I won a fittest executive competition for age 50+. I am now 71 and continue to work as a self employed business adviser. I still make exercise a part of my daily life and, like many people, feel that it contributes to better overall health and mental attitude. I also believe that medical marijuana in the form of vapor just prior to a more strenuous workout several times a week brings symptom relief and a positive connection to the natural world. My predominant symptoms continue to be severe right arm/hand tremor and early morning foot dystonia. For me, work, community service, exercise and appreciation of the natural world keeps me in the moment. Suggest that you embrace what's important to you, live for today and be positive as you look to the future and reflect on the past.

[mleec in reply to StayPosEvryDay]

Thank you! Very positive!

[Spudrock]

12 years and still going, though my job role is far less demanding these days.