Re: Parkinsonism

["Bonnie Cunningham, R.N." <bcunning@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It is important to remember that exercise is another part of the battle
against PD. If not already done, ask the doctor for a referral for
evaluation and treatment, if necessary, by a physical therapist.

Not everyone needs to be in a formal physical therapy program -- an
evaluation by a therapist and instruction on a home program may be all that
is needed.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Cunningham
NPF


Date:    Tue, 29 Sep 1998 17:26:28 -0400
From:    Ellen Peck <epeck@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: Parkinsonism

Bob Johmson wrote:

>My father.....has
>trouble walking, lurching forward, slightly bent at the trunk as if running
>after his centre of gravity. He has been taking Sinemet in increasing
>dosages for over a year without apparent relief. In fact he now shuffles
>around his house with greater difficulty, stumbling and stutter-stepping
>with less control as time goes by.
>
>A CT scan and a MRI have not revealed to his neurologist the reason(s)
>for his physical/neurological problem.


Well, Bob, my husband (79/1) has had the same experience.

>
>Any thoughts or advice on my Dad's behalf would be greatly
>appreciated.
>
>Thank you.
>
>Bob Johnson

We go to Dr. Hauser in the Movement Disorder Clinic in Tampa every four
months, but he doesn't seem to know what to do for my husband who does not
respond as expected to Sinemet.  Permax and Tasmar were initiated and
stopped quickly due to disastrous side effects.

The Sinemet seems to improve the drooling and hand tremor a little bit, but
increasing Sinemet over two 25/100 per day brings on loss of appetite and
dizziness.

Bob, If you find anything that helps, please let us know.

Anybody out there have any suggestions?

Ellen Peck