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Elizabeth --Forgive me if I came across a little too heavy-handed. If the reason your doc didn't give you Sinemet is because he didn't feel you needed it, there is no problem. If he didn't give it to you because you are a woman -- that would make me blow up. The first real PD med I took was Elderpryl. It did wonders for awhile (wrote a novel in two months). Then it was symmetrel (amatadine) and a witches brew of other drugs. My old doc had no idea what medication to give, so we would sit in his office with the Drug Reference Guide and try different combinations. When I changed doctors (moved and joined a HMO), I visited with the new doc and told him I wanted to be in charge of my medication routine. He had no problem with that, was probably relieved, in fact. PD is different from a lot of other medical problems. Unlike cancer or heart problems, for instance, we know exactly how we are doing at any given time. I strongly suggest that every PWP learn as much as they can about PD, about the possible medications and the effects. We, not the docs, are best able to judge what is working and what isn't. But we also need intelligent input, and that's where a knowledgeable doctor is worth his/her weight in gold. I'm sure they're out there, I just haven't found one. BTW, the basis for my distrust of doctors comes from the interaction of the medical profession and those who suffer with Agent Orange related problems, but that's for another newsgroup. In the words of someone else -- speak softly, just carry a big stick. -- Visit my WebSite! http://www.phoenix.net/~jfinch Where the Cowboy Rides Away.... Stories, poems and the ongoing adventures of the Dumpster Gang.