Hello list members --- I've been watching the amount of information on this list since I signed on 3 weeks ago --- I have difficulty keeping up with the quantity and quality of the posts. And, Barbara, I thank you for your warm welcome to me and especially your efforts in managing this list. My dad, Abe, is the PWP. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida, and I am in Toronto. Dad, 80 was diagnosed about 2 years ago and has been taking Sinemet for about a year and a half. I have a ton of comments and questions but had best take things slowly. I am checking out web sites and have spoken with the folks at the Parkinson's Foundation in Miami. I visited with Sandie Jones, the nurse at the Parkinson Foundation of Canada. Sandie is indeed a treasure. She helped me really understand how destructive even a little stress can be to a PWP. In educating myself as to the symptomatology I am becoming more understanding. I become angry at the changes taking place in Dad and try not to let it out to him. It's not anger at him I know, its the process. Education is helping to dispell this anger, leading to understanding, compassion, more love and greater acceptance. Dad lives alone, is a widower since Mom died from Cancer 12 years ago. He and I approach things differently. He is reticent almost to the point of non communication about how he feels, physically and definitely emotionally. I ask him about things to help him --- and I definitely can help if I know what's going on --- and he does not always tell the truth. For example, he says he is exercising and I know he is not. As Caregivers, there is the choice: Do you push them or Do you leave them alone and just try to help them be happy in what they want to do? There is no right answer, I think, it's achieving a balance, just as it is with parenting. I am concerned about: - Greatly decreased energy - Falls asleep much more often --- he gets enough sleep at night but falls asleep too often during the day - Greatly decreased physical strength - His upper arms have almost caved in My first questions to this list are: - He is seeing a neurologist in Boca, and although this might be an excellent neurologist, I don't know how experienced he is with PD. I am considering flying down to take him to the center in Fort Lauderdale or West Palm. Any comments? Any recommendations? Dad could get there by himself but I want to find out what they say. Any good MDs in the Boca area? - I found great exercise programs here in Toronto. Does anyone know any programs in the Boca Raton area? - I am investigating the Lee Silverman Voice System for PWPs as Dad's voice has become hoarse. Any comments? Experiences? Thanks for being there and See you online! - Marilyn - Marilyn Gang [log in to unmask] Toronto, Ontario, Canada