Mary Rack wrote:

> Hello (please tell us what your name is!) and welcome to the list!  My
> mother is 76 and has been diagnosed for about 6 years.  Your post rang
> all sorts of bells for me, so I'm responding and hoping it'll help, if
> only to let you know you're not alone.
>
> Trouble with drugs:   it's very difficult to regulate pd drugs.
> Having info about the various drugs, side effects, etc. is helpful.
> Also, there is widespread agreement that it's VERY impt for a PWP
> (person with PD) to see a movement disorders specialist or a
> neurologist who specializes in PD.  Folks in isolated areas often make
> long journeys once or twice a year to consult with such docs and find
> it worthwhile.
>
> Twitching:    may be caused by too much sinemet, either in general or
> at a specific time.  Correct dosing can be affected by stress, weight
> loss, dehydration, you name it.
>
> Depression:  if the prozac isn't working, ask for something else.  The
> "best" antidepressant seems to be a very individual matter!  And
> encourage your mom to get help for herself.  The Eldercare Locator,
> 800-677-1116 can tell you about resources in their zip code  (BTW
> where are you?  where are they?)  Depression in PWP  and their
> caregivers is not uncommon, and CAN be treated effectively.
>
> The latest methods:  dopamine (sinemet) seems to still be the main
> drug, but there are some new ones, also some surgeries....if you tell
> us what drugs your dad is on, you'll probably get some specific
> comments and suggestions.
>
> Wish I could tell you that Mom is functioning well.  Really believe
> that her rather negative personality has a lot to do with it, though,
> as her pd is not all that far along.  I get the impression that many
> her age are coping much better than she is.
>
> Keep an eye out for Camilla Flintermann's posts and ask her for info
> on joining the CARE lists for caregivers, too.
>
> Again, welcome to the list.  I trust you'll "meet" many compassionate
> friends here, many of whom offer us the added gift of humor that
> brightens our lives.  Keep asking questions, and ask again if you
> don't get a response in a day or two; sometimes we all think someone
> else will have answered already, and then nobody does!

Mary,

You have done a pearl of answer and IMHO it should be kept as a standard
for future question on the subject for the newbyers to this list.

Regards,
   +----| Joao Paulo de Carvalho   |------ +
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