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The list is starting to see more requests for information about PD and
surgery.

The best advice is to be sure that the primary care physician (whoever is
following
the patient's drug therapy )  DIRECTLY communicates with the surgeon and/or
whoever will be writing the admission medication orders.  Unfortunately,
there are
many physicians who do not have a sophisticated understanding of  the  latest

thoughts about the management of PD medications and need to hear from the
physician who knows you the best.  It is  also up to us to become more
assertive and alert when admitted to the hospital.  We should bring with us
an accurate list of our medication regime and be sure that the admitting
orders are
consistent with what we are taking.   If necessary, demand that the floor
nursing
staff communicate with your Neurologist and confirm to you that this has been
done.
They are NOT too busy to do this.  Talk to the nursing staff about
dyskinesias,
confusion, "on-off " problems etc etc so that you are sure they understand
the problems that a PD patient may have in a strange environment and how to
respond to these patient needs.  Of particular concern are medication
schedules which may not match the routine of  the hospital.   Also
 important-- being sure that the post-opertive medication orders include the
PD medications.

Take nothing for granted -- be alert -- ask questions and DEMAND assertively
that
everyone who touches the patient is aware of  individual needs.  Don't be shy
about demanding that your doctor be called to check on medications. There is
no reason
why the PD patient should not do well in the hospital if everyone is made
aware of
some of the unique aspects of the symptoms and  the medications.

Good  Luck
Ken Janis