My name is Julia; diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease in June 1997 at the young age of 49. My husband and carer, Kevin, and I are proud members of two PD support groups within 50km radius from home. We have been attending these groups since 2000 and know these groups have been instrumental in coping with the progression of my PD over this 13-year term. I'm taking L-dopa (Madopar) 3-hourly with Cabergoline & Amantadine. My main troubling symptoms currently are overnight stiffness, daytime fatigue, weakness & some balance issues. I feel I'm doing quite well at this stage of my PD.

We are also Life Members of Parkinson's Queensland Inc and Kevin serves on the Management Committee.  Kevin is also the facilitator of the two PD support groups that we attend.