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--------------------- Forwarded message: Subj: Patrick's survey Date: 96-01-01 16:01:11 EST From: JudithS802 To: [log in to unmask] Name:Judith Show e-mail:([log in to unmask]) Zipcode:92064 DOB:7/4/40 Weight:170 Sex:Female Parkinsons diagnosed:12/30/91 Symptoms started:At least two years previous Medication started:12/30/91 Medical indications: 1.tremor 2.muscle pain and toe pain 3.bladder incontinence 4.general weakness 5.sweats 6.stiffness 7.insomnia 8.low blood pressure 9.lightheadedness and dizziness 10.dyskinesia 11.muscle spasms Medications NAME DOSAGE 1.Sinemet CR 50/250 1/2 pill every 4 hours 2.Sinemet 25/100 1/2 pill as needed 3.Imipramine 10 mg 1 pill twice a day 4.Vitamin E 400 mg 5.Vitamin C 500 mg 6.Ditropan discontinued 7.Urispas discontinued 8.Benadryl discontinued 9.Urispas discontinued 10.Ativan discontinued 11.amantidine discontinued 12.Eldepryl discontinued 10 mg 2 a day 13.Permax discontinued 0.05 mg 2 three times a day COMMENTS: 1.Started immediately on Sinemet 25/100 1/2 three times a day and slowly increased to decrease tremor and stiffness so as to work as medical transcriptionist. As dosage increased, blood pressure dropped and lightheadedness and dizziness increased. 2.Eldepryl increased dizziness and lightheadedness. 3.Permax increased dyskinesia. I lost 15 pounds from dyskinesia and tremor in three months. 4.Ditropan and Urispas increased constipation. 5.Insomnia had been treated with Benadryl and Elavil both of which decreased in effectiveness. Ativan 5 mg a night helped for awhile but was stopped when imipramine was prescribed. At present taking no medication, I sleep 2 to 5 hours a night but as neuro says at least I get some rest. 6.Exercise (water aerobics three times a week) increased general strength. 7.Stopped work a year ago because of lightheadedness and dizziness. 8.On present regimen, I have off periods with stiffness, sweats and tremor but low blood pressure becomes a problem with increase of Sinemet. Imipramine helps incontinence. I am having increasing muscle spasms at night. At present I use a cane or walker. Thank you for all the info and advise. As Alan said reading similar stories helps me to know I am not alone and medical regimen alone does not control this disease.