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Hello, Brian Collins On 2 May 1996 you wrote: > I believe that places me right in the middle of one of the most >serious and long-running debates within our society - Whether our >hard-earned money should be spent on research to find a cure, or >used to bring comfort and care to the many sufferers of PD. Our >constitution requires us to give equal weight to both aspects >which I consider to be the right balance, but many disagree with >me. Is it a subject of discussion within this group ? Your question is posed most appropriately at a time when much effort is being expanded in trying to convince our elected political leaders to pass legislation that would increase federal funding for PD research. Beginning today, 6 May 1996, many of our group members are in Washington, DC calling on members of Congress and Senate to demand their attention to this most important issue. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go, but I have been busy calling and writing. I believe that society has a responsibility to care for its members -- regardless of their age or condition. Earmarking funds for research is part of that 'care' for future generations. This cannot be an 'either', 'or' issue! > Another subject of importance to me is the use of Levadopa in PD. >I have been taking levodopa for over 13 years, and like most people >have found it more and more difficult to get the dosage right. To >help me understand the effects of the various tablets and dosages, >I have written a computer program which attempts to evaluate these >characteristics amd in effect produce a model of myself and the >tablets. Having one that I was able to use the program to define >a regime of tablets which I believe has added at least 2 to 3 years >onto my "effective" life. I would be happy to discuss this in more >detail as I think it could help other people beside myself.> I would be most interested in learning about your method of calibrating dosages to suit your needs via a computer program. My quest of extending/increasing the "on" periods even by minutes or hours(!) is always present and seldom attained. So, please do share your knowledge. Best Regards, Margaret Tuchman (54 yrs, dx 1980. 9x25/100 sinemet, 5x.25mg. permax)