new member

[Catholic Heritage Curricula <chc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am new to the list; my name is Theresa and my father has Parkinson's. My 
mother is the primary caregiver, I try to support both of them. My dad was 
diagnosed with PD 4 years ago, but now we know he had it for years before 
diagnosed. He does not have a tremor so the diagnosis took some time. At that 
time his doctor put him on Sinemet three times a day (25/100), now he is up to 
1150 mg per day (Sinemet reg and Sinemet CR) trying to get relief from freezing 
and be able to function. 

I have several questions and would appreciate any and all help! Is this too 
much Sinemet to be taking? Twenty min. after taking his dose he begins having 
involuntary movement which lasts for about 1/2 hour, and he has to just sit and 
wait for the medicine to "kick in" which sometimes it doesn't. Does there come 
a time when the Sinemet becomes ineffective? 

He has been given Comtan to try, but has not started it yet. Does anyone take 
it, is it helpful? Is it recommended - any tips?

Thanks so much, 
Theresa

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