Thank you,

Larry

----- Original Message -----
From: "patandpaula" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 5:30 PM
Subject: Re: searching for Answers


> Larry, my mother was diagnosed just a few months ago, but has had symptoms
> for over two years, we were just in denial.  She has no tremors, but has
> other symptoms, like balance problems, excess saliva, frozen features.
she
> is taking 1 1/2 pills three times a day (carbidota/ledopa) and he wanted
her
> to go higher, but we have stayed the same because of all the stuff weve
read
> about how the meds eventually "max" out and bad side effects.  we have
> another appt end of april.   her symptoms have definitely improved  but
> still not really "normal" but we are thankful for the improvement.  we are
> still going to have an MRI done end of month just to be sure there is
> nothing else going on.  she is 75.  We are also in the Dallas area, we are
> going to the Southwestern Medical School doctors at the Neurology Center.
> anyway, i am sorry for what your brother and you are  going through, it is
> very kind of you to be so concerned, there are a lot of brothers who
wouldnt
> worry so much.      paula ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Larry Wilson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Monday, April 08, 2002 10:04 PM
> Subject: searching for Answers
>
>
> > This is the brother to the PD patient speaking:
> >
> > I appreciate all the material I have been reading....a little knowledge
> > makes a person "dangerous".  But I am still searching for
information...to
> > become better informed.  Thanks again.
> >
> > Again, my brother has PD in Dallas, Tex.  I am in Georgia.  I have
> developed
> > some good ideas on what to do within the next several weeks, again,
thanks
> > to several comments sent to me.  Thank you.
> >
> > But, I would like to re-visit the medications again.
> >
> > Brother:  Developed PD symptoms some 8 years ago.  Diagnosed PD about 5
> > years ago.  Had the shuffle (fell many times before being diagnosed).
> > Speech gradually decreased to none at all.  Had the tremors begin
> gradually
> > (8 years ago)....finally could not drink without spilling it....before
he
> > was put on medication.  Had swallowing problems some 6 years
ago.....could
> > not seem to swallow and the food would accumulate in his mouth until he
> > looked like he was "gorging" his food.  He would cough violently at
times
> > after getting choked.  Finally, recently, he got pneumonia (aspiration)
> and
> > did a barium swallow and it was determined he was swallowing into his
> > lungs...and could not detect it was going down the wrong way.  Doctors
put
> > in a stomach tube for his feeding and medications.  He can not walk
> without
> > assistance.  He uses the wheelchair to some degree.  He can read some
and
> > comprehend...to some degree (I don't know how much), but from what I
have
> > seen he understands what one is saying.  His vision needs to be checked
> > (wears glasses) but cannot put them (glasses) on by himself.
> >
> > That is the picture of John.
> > He takes 25/100 3 times a day of Simnemet.
> > He takes Parlodel 5 mg 3 times a day (this was upgraded in December,
> 2001).
> > I would guess he takes the parlodel, the Simnemet, and his blood
pressure
> > pills at the same time....he is in a nursing home.
> >
> > Question:  From the symptoms as described above would it "appear" that
the
> > medications are sufficient?
> >
> >  I have already had some good responses that gave me some insight into
> > medications...I already know that  medications are prescribed by the
> Doctor
> > upon observation and treatment of the patient.  I already know that
taking
> > PD medications is timely.  I already know the patient reacts differently
> to
> > different medications and different amounts.  I have learned a lot from
> your
> > comments.  I wish I had been this informed some 8 years ago.
> >
> > But, in general, would it appear the medications John is receiving is
> > adequate?
> >
> > To show you how much I knew (and ignorant) I was asking John's wife to
> take
> > him off the medication entirely to see what would happen....(thinking it
> > could not be worst than where he already is).  My reasoning was that his
> > mother had PD and his aunt and his grandmother.  They never took
> medications
> > for PD.  But then, they never progressed to the degree he has
progressed.
> > (They were never medically diagnosed - they just said they had PD....and
> it
> > appeared they did, however it did not disable them).  Now, I am of the
> > opinion he needs more medication, now less.
> >
> > Your opinion on the medications?
> >
> > Thank you,
> >
> > Larry
> >
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