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My friend, 70 years old,  was diagnosed last year with very early PD.  His
major complaint was weakness in his legs, when climbing stairs or on an
incline, or when rising from a chair.  Three separate neurologists (two of
whom specialize in PD) were uncertain about him having PD until he responded
to Amantadine, which helped but then lost its effect after several weeks.
  He also has a history of hypertension and heart disease, with all aspects
under control for the past few years via medication and surgery.  He does
take HCTZ, Zocor, Lasix, Coumadin, Aspirin, and Hytrin for his other health
issues, and for PD, he now takes time-released Sinimet (50/200) three times a
day, with Domperidone to control nausea, which had been severe and for which
nothing but Domperidone has worked.

For the past few months, he has experienced increasing, sudden shortness of
breath not only on the slightest exertion but also when sitting in a chair or
at rest.  This is now chronic.  His cardiologist says the shortness of breath
is not connected in any way to his heart and pulmonary function tests
indicate that his lungs are not causing the problem.  The questions are
these:

1.  Can PD itself, even at a very mild stage, cause a symptom like shortness
of breath?

2.  Can Sinimet and/or Domperidone cause such a problem?

Thanks for any assistance.

Lucy Pepperdol-Donaldson