Michel,
You make a very good point, and I think that most of the people on this list
are using it exactly the way you are. However, there are also those who for
one reason or another, have little or no faith in their own neurologist and
find themselves unable to seek the advice of another. (perhaps folks, who,
like my Dad, are locked into VA hospitals and treatment centers in their own
local area).
I find that the divergent points of few on this list have helped my family
realize that we are *not* strictly bound by our neurologist--who in the case
of the VA, is never the same person twice; is usually a resident finally
preparing to go in to private practice; and who seldom is a specialist in
movement disorders of any kind, let along Parkison's disease!
We feel that we have been given the opportunity to "question" some medical
decisions and diagnoses through the information gleaned from this list.
CAse in point: at a neuro visit last summer I asked my father's physician
if the Parkinson's medications could be responsible for some of the
confusion he displays at times. The answer was a resounding "No!"
With the help of Dad's family physian, and using information from the list,
we have been able to adjust both the amount of his meds and the dose
intervals to such an extent that he exhibits confusion primarily if he
forgets and "double-doses".
So, anyway, from my own personal experience, having list members "get into a
tizzy and gad about to find out what to do about PD" has been very
beneficial. As a side note, we have yet to feed Dad those wonderful fava beans!
good luck and good life
--------------------------------------------
Joyce Saylor ph. (606) 257-2893
Data Coordinator FAX: 606-323-1061
University of Kentucky [log in to unmask]
College of Law
--------------------------------------------
