Norma---seeing a movement disorder specialist is a good idea in any case---
here's why, from the Parkinson Disease Fndtn:
"A movement disorders specialist is a neurologist who has taken additional
training in the subspecialty in neurology called movement disorders (as
compared to other subspecialties in neurology). This encompasses disorders
such as Parkinson's disease (and the Parkinson-Plus disorders such as
Shy-Drager Syndrome and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy), essential tremor,
dystonia, Restless Leg Syndrome, Myoclonus and Wilson's disease. Movement
disorders specialists are most often also involved in research and/or
teaching in addition to their clinical concerns and are more typically found
at major medical institutions. Such professionals typically follow a
greater number of patients with these disorders so are thus generally more
experienced in the use of the various medications (ad their combinations) as
compared to a general neurologist, an internist or general practitioner."
Jeanne Lee-Rosner
PDF-Chicago
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Even if you only go for a consultation, to confirm the diagnosis, it can be
helpful. The quote above mentions some of the PD+ syndromes, and it is
true that they usually do not respond for long, if at all, to the PD meds.
Ask the neuro if trying Sinemet rather than an agonist like Requip or a
COMT inhibitor like Comtan might be more diagnostic. And it may be too
soon to rule out Requip, as all PWPs are different in response to meds.
Don't ever hesitate to ask questions of the neuro---and be sure you do
understand--there's no such thing as a "dumb" question about PD ! I always
take a notebook, with questions written down, to be sure I remember
them--and write the answers too. You can also join CARE, the sublist for
CGs of PWPs. I'm posting the info about it right now !
>We went to Gordie's neuro for his second visit today. The doctor was not happy
>with the lack of response to Requip. He prescribed comtan and scheduled
>another
>appointment for two weeks from now. If there is no improvement by that time he
>is going to refer Gordie to a movement specialist to be sure we are
>dealing with
>Parkinsons because Gordie does not have a lot of tremor and his MRI did
>not show
>much. He is very stiff through the shoulders and neck and has a tough time
>walking.....he does the typical shuffle. When I asked the doctor what he
>feared
>he mentioned a disease I did not understand. I should have asked for a
>spelling
>I guess. I then asked if there were medicines to treat this disease and he
>said
>no. Gordie didn't hear which I am glad for. BUT, now I need a bit of
>encouragement. Can anyone tell me again that the Requip can still work even
>after 6 weeks of being on it? He has been on 6 mg for a 8 days now.
>
>Norma
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask]
>In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn
Camilla Flintermann, CG for Peter 82/70/55
Oxford, Ohio
<[log in to unmask]>
on the web at http://www.geocities.com/camillahf/index.html
and also at http://members.tripod.lycos.nl/genugten/flinterm.htm
"Ask me about the CARE list for Caregivers of Parkinsonians ! "
And visit the CARE webring at http://www.pdcaregiver.org
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In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn
