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---------- Dear List Friends > >My husband(79 y o) has had a slight tremor in right hand for about 18 months. > > 18 months ago, our regular doctor said it was not Parkinson, and did a Cat scan which showed nothing unusual for man his age. > >Since then, my husband has continued to get worse. Because he is treated with lupron shots to keep his prostate cancer in remission, I thought that the lack of testosterone was responsible for the decline in functioning and discussed with regular doctor and urologist the possibility of stopping the lupron at least for a while. Then my husband got a urinary tract infection, and got much, much worse. The regular doctor prescribed antibiotic for infection and ordered a Neuro consult. The diagnosis was PD on 24 September. Classic > >symptoms-lack of facial expression, bent leg walk, soft husky voice, > >difficulty arising from chair and bed, lack of arm swing when walking, > >resting hand tremor. > >On Sept 24, my husband started taking one 25/100 Sinemet three times a day. Slowly increased to six per > >day by October 10. No improvement - actually a lot less energy, somewhat less mobility > >and total loss of appetite. On Oct 10 reduced back to three per day. > >On October 20, he was taken off Sinemet and put on Permax .05 once per day. > >He Gradually increased to five per day (.25 total) by Oct 24. Started "falling". Actually all his > >muscles suddenly turned to jelly, but he did not lose consciousness, just > >total collapse. He was taken off all medication on Oct 25. We will call the neuro's office > >again Monday. > >Our neuro has best reputation of any neuro in Tampa. Nothing but raves from > >anyone who has ever had any contact with him, including a caregiver whose parkie sees a different Dr. > >But the doctor seems to be questioning his original diagnosis of PD due to the non-response to sinemet and permax. > >Does anyone out there have any thoughts on this? Many of you are more knowledgeable and experienced than I and I hope you > >have some insight into this. The neuro thought my husband would have an immediate and > >positive responce to sinemet. By tonight, having been off all meds for about 30 hours, he seems improved. He is actually eating a little. Has anyone out there been unresponsive to sinemet and permax? What drug did you end up on? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Ellen Peck [log in to unmask] CG for Steve 79/1