Newly Diagnosed

Hello to you all.
I basically got my final diagnosis yesterday with the results of the Spect DatSCAN showing way over 50% damage.
Things all cropped up very quickly and I can't seem to find out if this is normal.
I have had a severe tremor in my right hand and arm for about 10 years - but only very rarely and under real severe stress. Everyone had put it down to a bad car accident I had in 1996 with injury to my spine/neck etc. My writing was fine
My first 'real' symptoms started in October 2008. I work at a PC 12 hours a day and I found that my right leg was arching upwards and shaking - but only now and again. I put it down to work stress/too much coffee etc.etc.
Then over Xmas I started getting long lasting pains in my right arm - and I put that down to the fact that I was working at a different desk/chair etc (staying with my parents) so that was that. My writing all of a sudden was very small and I found enormous difficulty forming the letters, not because of the tremor but because I was stiff
The I returned home (Italy) mid January and all hell started in just 2 weeks.
My leg got worse and worse and was now shaking 12 hours a day.
My arm got incredibly stiff and shaky and writing was basically impossible.
I started getting giddy spells and just feeling generally strange
I went to my GP and he referred me immediately to the Neurology and Movement Disorder Dept at our Hospital.
I had 6 meetings with them - a thousand movement tests- MRI Scan -(negative) an EMG for tremor (positive with tremor at 6-8 Mz),an L-Dopa test (which was positive) and now the Spect Datscan (positive). I have also done a genetic blood test but it takes 2 months for the result.
The docs have no doubt that it is young onset PD - I am taking Akineton (Biperidene) 2 tabs xday but not getting much benefit.
I have started physio at the local gym 3 times a week.
Sorry if this is a long post but I have a thousand questions in my head ....
Is it normal for everything to happen so quickly ?? I have always read that things were slow and progressive.
I am getting worse week by week ....
By the way I am 48 years of age - and have no other sufferers in the family.

Thanks in advance for any comments - and sorry again for the long-winded post

Magenta, From the date of your post, it appears that we PD's have been slow to respond to you and we apologize.  Procrastination has always been one of my outstanding qualities and PD certainly hasn't improved it.  I do plan on working to improve this area first thing tomorrow.  Your question is the one that is at the top of the list for all of us- what is going to happen and when will it happen?  You will hear everything from diagnosed 20 years ago and still have just a small tremor to diagnosed two years ago and now in a wheelchair.  Most of us are on a line somewhere in between.  A movement disorder specialist can advise you of the range of treatments available.  At this time there appears to be no certain cure although there are some reports of improvement after treatment in Germany, China, etc involving stem cells.  There are several medications available to address the tremor and I suggest that you read as many of the postings as time will allow to become more familiar with the meds.  There is also DBS surgery which I have had on the right side of the brain to address left side tremor.  It has been helpful although I still have to take medication also.  If you haven't noticed it already you will find that even the slightest stress will have a major affect on the tremor.  Being diagnosed with PD was very educational for me as you learn that you probably have had it for 10 years by the time that the tremor begins.  Then you understand why some of the little problems that youve been having were happening.  I was also guilty of being in the "maybe it will go away" mode for awhile. but it won't.  Good luck and let us know how you are doing. 

Kellsc,One thing for sure about pd is that no two victims have the same symptoms.I don't have foot spasms but do have awfull cramping toe curling.My meds stalevo,and mirapex seem to help,but don't stop it.This disease is a real challenge for the Docs due to the upteen million different symptoms that this disease exhibits.In time you,and your Dr. will find the right combo and dosage of meds that works for you.Wish you the bests.Ed