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Mario, Most of my shaking and clumsiness is in the right arm and leg. My left side is still fairly functioinal. I just don't let it embarass me any more. I use my left hand to eat, etc. Perhaps I'm lucky that it's mostly on one side, so far. I intend to hold off on PD med for as long as reasonable possible..... I'm hoping they'll be able to give me a cell stem implant before the medicines I will be taking have time to wear out their usefulness to me! All the best, Bill New Jersey ********************************* -----Original Message----- From: Mario A. Gonzalez [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 12:08 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: TUG-OF-WAR! - FRAN TODD Hi Fran and William, I also have a dilemma now. I have found out that what is making me "freeze" and given me heavy legs is MIRAPEX. I stopped taking it yesterday and I notice the difference. I have thought about not taking any more meds but am debating the pros and cons. William, how do you do it? Fran, keep in touch. Mario A. Gonzalez 54,49 [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ----- Original Message ----- From: William P. Taggart <mailto:[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 8:46 AM Subject: Re: TUG-OF-WAR! - FRAN TODD Hello Fran! Comments & Questions based on my own experience since being diagnosed PD, 2.5 years ago: 1) I believe exhaustion is a characteristic of the disease itself. It got me down FOR A WHILE when it first kicked into gear too.... and I'm not taking any PD meds. My energy is back now but I still tire very easily. 2) Are your symptoms already so much a problem that you already have to take medication? After only three months? I'm staying off medication for PD until the symptoms get so bad I HAVE to take them... You have to do what your neuro tells you but, you might ask about: - The meds do not slow or delay progression of the disease, they are only to give some relief from symptoms, BUT - Over a period of time the effects of some medicines wear off, AND - Prolonged usage can lead to the development of some rather unpleasant side effects, (esp. Sinemet). I'd suggest you delve a bit deeper into what meds you REALLY need right now. ...One man's opinion, for whatever it's worth.... All the best! Bill New Jersey ****************************************** -----Original Message----- From: Fran Todd [ mailto:[log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> ] Sent: Friday, December 22, 2000 6:11 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: TUG-OF-WAR! Dear Sandy, My name is Fran and I am 53 years old. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's three months ago. I don't think I actually believed it until this week. My problem right now is the medication and the side effects. I am taking Mirapex three times a day and Selegiline once a day. The medication is making me so tired I just want to find a place to go to sleep. I work full time and sleeping on the job is definitely out of the question!! Between the emotional aspect of accepting my physical limitations and feeling constantly exhausted, the quality of my life has changed dramatically. I have had a constant battle in my mind over continuing the medication. I will take any advice I can get and I thank you. Fran