-- [ From: Bob Chapman * EMC.Ver #3.0 ] --


-------- REPLY, Original message follows --------

Date: Saturday, 06-Jul-96 07:25 PM

From: Mary Thompson            \ Internet:    ([log in to unmask])
To:   [log in to unmask] \ Internet:
([log in to unmask])

Subject: Introducing myself

Hello Every-body around the globe!

I am 48 years old and I was diagnosed with P.D. in 1990.  My severest
symptom is bi-lateral resting tremor of arms (predomenantly right),
legs, feet and chin.  They say that tremor is one of the symptoms most
difficult to control with medication and for me that seems to be true.
Under the guidance of my neurologist we recently increased my levadopa
intake up to 1800mg. over a 24 hour period.  It did bring the tremor
under control but the side effects did not make it worthwhile, (nausea,
depression, anxiety, and vivid dreaming).  Since then I have been
titrating a normal and slow release levadopa with some success.  I find
that in my case a four hourly dose of 100mg. Madopar (normal release)
and 200mg. Madopar HBS (slow release) taken 1 hour after the normal
release gives me the best result, over a four hour period.  I take this
five times a day.  After a severe period of depression (which was out of
character for me) my G.P. convinced me I would benefit from an anti-
depressant, which I reluctantly agreed to after realising I was not
going to be able to get that black dog of my back under my own mind
power.  (I use meditation and had found that helpfull in the past).  He
prescibed 75mg. of Prothiaden (dothiepin hydrochloride) and I feel like
my old self again.  My optimism has been restored to me, I am sleeping
better, and no more nightmares.  I have learnt to live with a certain
amount of tremor and have developed coping strategies such as walking on
a motorised treadmill, pottering around in the garden, or going for a
walk, until my medication "kicks in". The possible mental or cognitive
deterioration possible with P.D. frightens me more than any physical
loss.

Having said that I do feel optimistic that a cure, not just surgery to
relieve the symptoms of P.D. is imminent, and here I would like to
applaud the American Parkies who so successfully band together across
their country to bring pressure to bear on those with the power to
allocate those all important research dollars.  Great work!  You don't
realise it but you inspire many of us here in Aussie to keep trying to
lift awareness here. Myself and Celia Jones (also a [log in to unmask]
subs.) co-ordinate a Young Onset P.D. Support Group and have 32 members.
As well as providing an opportunity for us to meet new "parkie" friends,
we have family days, arrange education seminaar's, and participate
actively in events that will help to raise public awareness of P.D. such
as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Week.  We intend to participate in the
World Walk Day this year.

I met Dr. Abraham Lieberman at our Third Australian National Multi-
Disciplinary Conference on Parkinson's Disease last year wich was held
in Hobart.  If any-one out there knows him please pass on my personal
thanks to him for his contributions to P.D. The logorithm he made
available on the net has been passed on to many Aussie Parkies.  If only
more doctors would be so accessable and ready to pass on their knowledge
and information. The fourth P.D. conference is to be held in Perth next
year.  A great place for a holiday by the way!

Lastly I would like to say a special hello to the Hollander Parkies on
the net.  I was born in De Hague, in Malaaka Straate. (probably spelt
wrong). My parents migrated to Australia in 1956.  My husband wanted to
take me back for a holiday as I have never been back but I feel it would
be just a little bejond my capabilities.  The thought of shaking in an
airoplane seat for 30 hours in just a little to daunting.  But I would
love to hear from any Dutchies if you have the time and inclination to
tell me a little about your part of Holland.

I have only had my computor for two weeks now.  I am still in awe of the
fact that this letter is going to be read by so many of you!  Hope I can
work the spell check!

Regards Mary Thompson. [log in to unmask]

-------- REPLY, End of original message --------

Mary, it just so happens that I have an appointment with Dr. Leibermean
on Tuesday, July 9 ( my first appointment with him ). I have printed out
your posting and I will deliver it to him then. I should think he'll
quite pleased to recieve it. Good Luck

Bob Chapman


Bob Chapman
E-Mail < [log in to unmask]
Sun Lakes, Arizona