 |
 |
In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]> Bob Chapman e-mailed me > Bob it sounds as though you are making a strong case to not put off > taking Sinemet. As I understand it, the rerason for taking sinemet is to > slow the progressiveness of PD. By not taking it you have possibly > allowed it to advance at a faster rate than it would have. But then it > is probably just a roll of the dice, as all of us react differently. If > I were you I would get the advice of a Movement Disorder Specialist or > at least a Neuro who has extensive PD experience. > especially if your present neuro dosen't. Bob, thanks for the comments.I hope you don't mind me copying your message on the List but I'd be interested in other current views (Is that a second opinion? :-)). I'm currently taking Benzhexol (Artane)to ease the tremor and Selegeline (Eldepryl) in the hope that the latter retards the process and delays the need to move to levodopa. As I understand things Sinemet consists of levadopa mixed with carbidopa which helps ensure that more levadopa reaches those parts of the brain that need it. This helps minimise the dosage. It is the side effects of taking levadopa over a long period which concern me. It might be fine in the short/medium term but then come those involuntary movements. I need a quality of life :-) and I need a job for a few more years yet :-( . So my bottom line is to throw two sixes with your dice: six years without levadopa and at least six taking advantage of any improvements. After that who knows? Parkinson's may have a cure and the world might be a better place :-) Regards Bob Leeds, England [log in to unmask]