Dear younger me,
First of all listen to your wife. She is very observant and able to recognize body changes that were occurring: no arm movement, slouching, impact of cold, foot dragging, sleep patterns, slowness, etc. Secondly listen to your wife when she insists that you need to get medical attention to identify what was causing these changes. You insist it was just a growing old problem until the twitching started. Thirdly I would recommend finding a good general practitioner (GP) who will work with you in finding the reasons for the changes you are experiencing as this is often a diagnosis not easy to get. First it was a pinched nerve, then a familial tremor, and after two years, finally a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. My GP has been constantly supportive through this process.
After diagnosis I would advise getting as much information as possible. Join Parkinson Society BC, local support groups, and share with friends and family. Try to continue doing the many things you enjoy and don’t limit yourself. I tended to withdraw from some activities due to perceived limitations which I now regret. Exercise helps.
Enough advice – you just need to keep up the good fight and get on with life.
Sincerely,
Jim