I could have almost written the first piece of your email. 11 years ago I was diagnosed in the same way. At the time I was pleased to have a name for my syptoms, and little did I realise the implications of having Old Parkie. I have not yet had a pallidotomy, but I know it is only a question of time as I have discussed it with my neuorologist. He says he has never heard of Mirapex, is there another name for it? I am in England so maybe its not available here. Keep smiling Sticky0123 (Nancy Stephenson @AOL.com)