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My wife, who is the PWP in this family, is scheduled for surgery (Proctectomy, Sigmoid Colostomy. Cystectomy, Urostomy) on Sept 5, and we were advised yesterday that the usual procedure is to insert an epidural catheter (prior to surgery) to introduce pain relieving medication post operatively. Does anyone know if there are any undesirable side effects of this procedure in PWPs? We are aware of the Pethidine / Selegiline reaction, and have ensured that all involved in her treatment are also aware of that interaction. She fell and fractured her 3rd sacral vertebra, damaging the S3 nerves, in Feb '99. The nerve damage resulted in dysfunction of both bladder and bowel (retention), and continuous pain in the pelvic area, increasing in intensity as the bladder and rectum fill. No improvement in the nerve function has occurred, hence the move to surgical intervention. She has tried all the available medications, and nerve stimulation (Medtronic), but unfortunately without success. Life for her revolves around self-catheterisation and enemas at present. The stress of this problem has accelerated her PD (she has gone from good control with 450 mg levodopa per day, to on/off control with 1,100 to 1,200 mg per day. She also takes 2 x 5 mg Selegiline / day. She has not been able to take any of the agonists because of their constipating effect, and the effect of reducing blood pressure. We would appreciate any comments or advise regarding the epidural, or other PD related matters. Lionel Modra, c/g for Win (71\67\??) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn