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Hello Everyone, Helen Johns is my name. Last summer I noticed tremors in my right leg and right hand; I suspected Parkinsons. I was diagnosed (at age 60 years) on December 15, 1999 as being in the "early" stages. Eldepryl was prescribed, however, I opted to try nutritional/homeopathic remedies first. The homeopathic remedies are certainly more expensive than the meds (from a healthplan). I was told to avoid sugar, white flour, etc., and was able to do that for a few months and got bored with it. I've tried ENADA (NADH) without success and am now trying an antioxidant called Mycrohydrin and drinking some Sage tea. I also read that FAVA Beans are good for the dopamine in the brain. I would be interested to have feedback from those of you who have or who are currently taking Eldepryl as to how effective it's been for you or what side effects you have experienced. Would also like to hear from those of you who have explored alternative options. California State University San Diego is doing a study for Parkinsons involving a transdermal patch (dopamine agonist); I have been tested and hopefully will be accepted for the study. My husband and I live 70 miles NE of San Diego in Julian (State historical town), elevation 4,000 feet. We moved here in December of '98. I took a 10 year retirement from Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services where I worked as a Children's Social Worker. The last four years of my job I worked from 4:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. doing immediate response child abuse investigations. I thought my handwriting was getting bad from writing up too many cases, now I realize it was the Parkinsons causing a deterioration of handwriting. My hobby is breeding and showing Maine Coon Cats. I currently am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for an abused child. This is somewhat long so I'll quit now . . . thanks for listening. Helen http://home.earthlink.net/~pedropurrs/ [log in to unmask]