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Mister You sound like me two years ago - symptoms resemble yours - a little older 58. I too don't want to start medication for fear of all the side effects described here. Tell me what you decide. Fleurette At 06:14 PM 4/20/97 -0400, you wrote: >Howdy all! Just got my diagnosis on April 1 (quite an April Fool's joke, >eh?), and I'm scurrying as quickly as I can to gather info on what to do and >what to expect. I'm a 51 y/o, single male in good health (except for that >extra 15 pounds I continue to not lose! <g>). As I'm sure you know, I'm >going through all of the predictable emotional swings as I deal with this >reality. I'm trying to find that spot between surrender and denial that will >help me navigate the waters ahead, whatever they have in store. > >My challenge right now is to determine whether I should commence medication, >and, if so, which ones to take. My symptoms so far are rigidity in my right >hand and arm (I'm doing a pretty good job of hunt and peck, eh?), and a bit >of numbness in my lower right leg. As you might suspect I'm right-handed. I >am beginning to have trouble with buttoning things, etc., and I have long >since lost my ability to write well. As of now, I am not experiencing >tremors. > >I've done lots of reading about the relative effectiveness and the >longer-term complications of certain drugs, especially levodopa, and am >convinced there's no absolutely right choice. But I'd appreciate any counsel >you might offer regarding: > 1. Should I start drugs now or wait until it's absolutely necessary? > 2. What should I look for in a neurologist to ensure I'm getting the best >advice? > 3. Do CoQ/Antioxidant capsules break the blood-brain barrier? Dose? > 4. What about any clinical trials? Will I be ruled out if I start drugs >now? > >I could go on, but I'm sure you know my primary needs right now. Thanks so >much for being what I observe as a quite upbeat and helpful resource. > >Bob >