Mary R. Many thanks... I had a great time chuckling away as I typed, but if I never see a Mexican yam again it'll be too soon! <grin> Uhhhhh... there's still a coupla dozen carloads (a 3 days supply) available and we can cut ya a real good deal on the price... under $80,000 a carload (cheap at half the price!). And don't worry.. your skin doesn't STAY that color green for more than a few days... it's just a reaction to the coloring agent (a close kin to red dye #7, or 5 or whatever) used to make the natual purple-y putty-gray of the Mexican yam a more palatable color. Honest.. 5 or 6 days... 7 at the most, and I'm SURE you'd be back to your natural color. And anyway, who CARES if one has green skin since THIS is a cure for PD, as well as MS, CFS, FMS, RSD, IBS, ALS, and more, more, more, plus a buncha other diseases all represented by assorted initials. (I've GOT to stop this before some PD-only-to-be-discussed-here-purist take a pot shot at me. But dammit... I DO consider all the laughs I get from this group to BE very theraputic, and try to contribute a fair of "theraputic" laughter share myself) Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] ---------- From: PARKINSN: Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network on behalf of Mary Rack Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 1996 9:31 AM To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN Subject: Bloating. Beautiful. Welcome to Elena--Mom a dependent? Bloating: James - I'd suspect the propulsid, based on problems my mother-in-law has had with it and similar meds -- problems that didn't show up right away. Beautiful: Barb Mallut - Irving's note reminded me that I'd been meaning to thank you for the many chuckles occasioned by your yam series! Welcome: Hi, Elena! It's wonderful of you to be embarking on the care of your mom! Have you looked for support groups in your area? They are a good idea for both of you. And how about a neurologist? If you've been reading this list at all, you know how important it is to find the right one, preferably someone who specializes in Parkinson's. If you let the list folks know where you live, you will probably get many helpful suggestions. And keep an eye out for instructions on joining the caregivers' list. About adding your mom to your insurance: I imagine you would have to check with your provider about that. Is she on Medicare? Does she have any other health insurance? Medicare typically covers 80% of costs (sometimes after a deductible), with some tricky little details. Let me know if you need help deciphering their paperwork. Another question is whether you can claim your mom as a dependent for tax purposes. I am able to do so, and it has been very beneficial -- ask a tax professional about this (my CPA suggested it for us). About what to expect . . . it sure varies. The fact that your mom is very active is very encouraging. Does she already live near you or is this a big change for her? If it's a big change, finding new ways to keep up her old activities will be important. Once again - welcome, and good luck! Mary Rack cg for Louise(75/5) Overland Park, KS