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In a message dated 12/18/2006 10:52:03 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Sir, thanks so much for adding your requests of subscribers. I am a current subscriber trying to educate myself about PD symptoms and treatments. My mother is currently 59 exhibiting many of the symptoms related to PD (e.g. tremors in her hands and jaw; slumped posture - mild; her left arm is motionless; and she often walks with a mild shuffle). On January 15th she is scheduled to see a Neurologist. If possible, with your personal experience and wealth of knowledge, would you please share your recommendation to maximize our consultation with this physician (e.g. recommended questions, test, medications and/or treatments)? Best regards, Deanne - a very concerned daughter! There are a few general questions that I have learned to ALWAYS ask the physician when I am looking at treatment for a chronic condition. 1. How does the medication that your are prescribing for me interact with the other medications I am taking? (Note: This means that you should bring a list of all your medications -- prescription and OTC -- that you take regularly.) 2. What are the likely side-effects of this medication? 3. What should I do if I miss a dose? 4. Should the new medication be taken with or without food? (Note: You may want to check with a nurse-practitioner on this too. When I did, I learned that my Sinemet should be taken 30-60 minutes before a meal. Since I've been doing that, it's been working a lot better.) 5. Especially important when PD is suspected: The diagnosis of PD is complicated because another condition, Benign Essential Tremor, shows very similar symptoms. You probably will want to research that condition, and ask your neurologist about it. I can't comment on what medications or treatments are best for you or your mother; that's a clinical issue that only your physician can decide. As a personal choice, I always question my physician in greater detail when he wants to prescribe a recently approved drug. While these drugs aren't necessarily bad or unsafe, the fact is that we don't have as much information about adverse experiences as we do with a product that has been on the market for a couple of years. Wilson ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn