I started to subcribe only 2 weeks ago. My mother was diagnosed with PD almost 10 years ago though in retrospect probably was showing signs 2 to 3 years prior to that. Over the last two weeks I have read with interest all the past and present articles and mail concerning the varied topics, information and insights available through this resource. Needless to say it has been extremely insightful and in many ways encouraging. One thing that we learned many years ago is that PD must be treated on an individual basis. My mother was originally treated on very generic terms and somewhat ineffectually. We took it upon ourselves to study and learn more about the disorder to help us better understand the ramifications of each medication and their dose and combinations. This approach has produced a better quality of life. I must also point out that my mother has taken a very pro-active approach with PD then reactive. This gives her sense of fighting the problem rather than a reactive feeling of being a helpless victem. The three greatest benefits to her condition have been 1) A positive mental attitude towards condition and situation with an acceptance of her limits yet living up to them on a daily basis. 2) A daily excercise regime that has greatly enhanced her muscle control and flexibility. 3) Taking sinemet in liquid form once every hour to help even the out the dyskenesia and the "off" periods. I can't stress enough the benefit of exercise and stretching. I believe it alloes much greater control (user vs. autonomous) and helps greatly with flexibility. This seems to help overcome the rigidity and offers more cognizant control over her gait when walking and her day to day movements. I believe, also, that it probably helps her sleep as well. Mom now takes her sinemet in liquid form. Her daily routine is to put her daily dose of sinemet in a thermos that is full of orange juice (it doesn't lose its fizz during the day). She used to grind up the pills put has found that given a few minutes the pills will dissolve just fine in the juice. Then, depending on her schedule, will fill up 1.5 oz. nalgene bottles (found in drug stores and backpacking equipment stores) of which she will take one each hour. She carries the thermos with for longer excursions and will refill when and if needed. She usually takes a larger dose in the morning which she finds helps give her the needed kick start to get up and go. I don't have the specific dosages on hand for the day but I can get them. This system also helps regulate the dosing of the sinemet better throughout the day. Since our body chemistry fluctuates sometimes smaller intermitent dosing has been used. Routine seems to be a great benefit in regulating not only the medication but also in regulating the symptoms of PD. I also want to say how pleased and thankful I am for the insight and resources that all of you are providing to us and I look forward to our collective efforts here in the future. Regards -- Bill Bell ([log in to unmask])