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Hi! My mother had a triple bypass operation a few years ago. She also has Narcolepsi, which she takes medicine for. Unlike other older friends of mine who got better after the bypass, she started slowing down and shuffling. She was in denial a long time about the changes in her walking, her forgetfullness, etc. (She used to be a very active person, full of energy.) Finally a doctor diagnosed her as having Parkinson's. She began taking 2 Sinemet a day, a yellow pill. She improved dramatically. However, a few months ago, she developed "dry mouth" to a state where she has to chew gum all the time (which she hates, she never liked gum.) She had problems getting to talk to her doctor (she left messages which were never returned, etc.) so she switched doctors. Her new doctor wanted to see if she really had Parkinson's, and took her off all medication for that. Within a few days, she couldn't even get out of bed. He put her on a tan version of Sinemet C.R., which she takes three times a day, and Eldepryl twice a day (I hope the spelling is correct, she read them to me over the phone.) She continues to have the dry mouth problem, and even though it has been several weeks since resuming medication, she has not gotten much better physically. She cannot drive now, and has trouble doing things like dressing, etc., which she could do before going off all medication. I live 60 miles away, work, and am trying to take care of my son. She calls me up and cries, and says I am a bad daughter because I can't drop everything to come and spend the days with her. I guess I am now a member of the "sandwich" generation, and I feel torn between work, my son, my boyfriend, and my mom. I guess I joined this mailing list for support, but I also have some questions: 1) Her pills are very expensive, she's on Medicare, but spends about $4,000 a year on meds. Most health care plans won't accept her because she has Parkinson's. She retired, but is there any program of Disability (she lives in California) that you can get, or subsidy of medication? She says she can't get Disability because she retired. Is that correct? She had a house, and her income is about $17,000 a year (from Social Security and some CDs.) 2) Any suggestions as to the drymouth? 3) Her doctor suggested she take another medication, but it apparently has side affects like hallucinations. I keep telling her that these days, doctors HAVE to tell you all the side effects, but that doesn't mean you will have them. Any suggestions? Are there any other medicin es she could take other than Sinemet? 4) Are there any Federal, City, or State programs that deliver groceries, or any programs where they drive you to doctor appointments? Thanks for all you help! Nancy