>
>My neurologist prescribed Mirapex, a dopamine agonist. This was when
>I first saw him a year ago. I haven't started taking it yet. I'm
>quite conservative with respect to pharmaceuticals, especially ones
>that haven't been around for a long time. (Too often new
>pharmaceuticals turn out to be harmful.)
>
>QUESTION 1): What does anyone here know about Mirapex, and what
>experience does anyone here have with it? I'm interested mainly in
>folks who are taking it by itself. (I browsed through the archive,
>and didn't find a lot that is relevant.)
>
>QUESTION 2): Are there alternative medications or treatments I should
>consider. (I try to stay as active as possible, walking --for 1/2
>hour on average-- often uphill), and doing hatha yoga about once a
>week.)



Hello Diana.
I can't help you about mirapex specifically but it and all other PD
medications "wear out" eventually and cause side effects. Exercise
and yoga are vital to your health, more so now than ever.

>
>I am also experiencing some generalized and chronic anxiety, which I
>think must be due to not knowing what to expect as the disease
>progresses.

This is a great time to enlist the help of friends and family. With
their help you can keep your spirits up. PD has an emotional
component. There seems to be a connection between your state of mind
and your symptoms.

>QUESTION 3): What should I expect? What are the late stages like?

Hard to say, it's different for everyone. If you follow the
conventional path you can expect maybe 3 - 30 years of keeping things
at least somewhat under control.

>QUESTION 4): Can anyone offer tips or counsel or suggest resources
>that will help me prepare psychologically for what I will encounter
>down the road?

If you haven't started medication yet try http://www.pdrecovery.org

>QUESTION 5) Can anyone offer tips or counsel or suggest resources
>that will help me prepare in other ways for what I will encounter
>down the road?
>
>Thank you very much.
>
>Diana M
>
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--
Steve Rack
Brattleboro VT

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