Steve Forslind wrote:

>Question from a newbee here.
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>Hi, my name is Steve. I am 62 years old and I was diagnosed with Parkinson's at 60.  I was originally on Requip which worked extremely well symptomatically, but I complained of minor side effects, so at my request my neurologist switched me to Sinemet and Mirapex. The symptoms (right-arm tremors & stiffness, shuffling walk) have gotten slightly worse (than when originally diagnosed) over time, with far too little of the alleged “on” and “off” times I hear about. Basically, the Sinemet and Mirapex don’t seem to have much, if any, affect at all, but back then I had no idea that my med choices were so limited.
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>It needs to be said that shortly after changing meds I retired from working as a maintenance mechanic on the midnight shift, so in addition to changing meds I totally changed my schedule and lifestyle.
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>Due to these life changes, I’ve asked my neurologist a couple of months ago to put me back on Requip; I think I’m in a better position to handle any minor side affects that might occur. Basically he ignored my request, and said “See you in July”. He displayed no interest in a med change for me. I didn’t pursue it; I had severe low back pain issues at the time.
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>Dosage: (1) 25/100 Sinemet 3x day, (2)  0.25 Mg, 3x day
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>Questions:
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>Can one go back to Requip from Sinemet & Mirapex successfully, or is it a one-way street? I have no clue. The Sinemet and Mirapex seem to be causing (in my opinion) more problems than they're treating. Since I started taking them, I've developed a problem in my lower back that causes great pain relieved only by two things; 6-8 hours of sleep, and not taking the PD meds for that same period of time. Right now it's almost 11 hours since I took the Sinemet & Mirapex, and I feel the best I'll feel all day. It's downhill from here.
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>Should I seek the opinion of another neurologist? Mine doesn't seem to have time for me, let alone any real interest in my welfare.
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>Rick: Why'd you get off the Sinemet & how'd you do it?
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>Rick McGirr <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>Today is day 4 off of Sinemet. Weaned myself right down to zilch. I
>was on a low dose, 25/100 3 times a day. Symptoms a tiny bit more
>pronounced. They're not as bad as I thought they might have been.
>Attitude much more resilient. I can handle this. For now...
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>Enjoy!
>Rick McGirr
>Email: [log in to unmask]
>
>Contact your congressperson and tell him/her to support H. R. 810,
>which would support ESCR using donated, leftover embryos from
>fertility clinics that would otherwise be discarded.
>
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Steve:
PD being so individual makes your question hard if not impossible to
answer. What is important here is that you get
hooked up with a Nero Dr. you like and trust. Go shopping, I suggest
checking out a teaching hospital or university medical school faculty
list looking for some one who identifys themselves as a movement
disorder or PD specialist. Most will have a private practice in addition
to there teaching. Then call the
office and ask questions of the secretary, like age, sex, schooling, or
what ever you want to know about. When you find someone that meets your
needs make an appointment to get acquainted only. No medical info is
exchanged, talk just about common interest briefly or hobbies. If they
don't have the time or don't do that, keep looking. But you must find
someone you trust.

Ned

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