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[log in to unmask] wrote: > > Hello Jackie, > > * In a message to Peter Vanderkam on 04-09-97, [log in to unmask] said > the following: > > P> Hi-- > > P> I'm new to this service. I'm writing on behalf of my 80-year-old > P> father-in-law, who's had Parksinson's for a few years. During the last 2 > P> years or so, he's had a problem with orthostatic hypotension. In other > P> words, sometimes, when he stands up, his blood pressure drops extremely > P> low. He's passed out a few times, and had to be taken to the emergency > P> room a few times. > > P> He's on Sinemet, Eldeprel, proamatine, and florinef acetate. I've looked > P> at some 300 messages from people on this list, and no one has mentioned > P> this problem, so I'm assuming it's rare. He's seeing a neurologist, not a > P> PD specialist. Aside from this symptom, he seems to be having some memory > P> loss, his speech is very slow, and his movements stiff. But it's the low > P> blood pressure we're concerned about. I wonder if this could be life > P> threatening? > > This is not uncommon. My wife is afflicted the same way. > Is it life threatening? Well, our doctor makes a joke out of it and > tells my wife that one thing is for sure, she'll never die of > hi-blood pressure. That is funny, but will she die of a blood pressure > that is too low. My understanding is that the possiblity is there. What > %? I have no idea. > > good luck, > > Peter. > > P> Also, we live in the L.A. area. I don't know if this question is > P> appropriate, but if it is--does anyone know a good PD specialist here? > > P> Thanks so much for any information. > > P> Jackie Naiditch ([log in to unmask]) > > Netmail 1:229/510 (Online Now) > E-mail: [log in to unmask] To add my two bits worth. Orthostatic hypotension is a side effect of many PD drugs as well as PD itself. You can injure yourself by falling and breaking a bone or hitting your head. The best prevention is to rise slowly and to move slowly until the sensation passes. -- Jerry Starr