[Natalie]

I am 100% convinced that my diagnosis was a result of severe, long-term stress. I was diagnosed with PD at the age of 49 with no familial history of PD. My symptoms began 3 or 4 years prior to my diagnosis. My marriage had been rocky for about 15 years, my job was very stressful, and my kids were struggling as a result. Three years prior to my diagnosis: my youngest son was hospitalized with an eating disorder, ran away, attempted suicide, started using drugs, sent to rehab. My husband was arrested for assaulting me. My oldest son was arrested for drug use. I was diagnosed with frozen shoulder.
Our minds and bodies remember stress and hold onto it. Stress can be positive (marriage, birth, moving, weight loss/gain, job change) or negative (illness, job loss, divorce, death of loved one, mental or physical anguish – pushing our limits). I am determined to be that person who “beats” Parkinson’s!