Hi Ray,
Just to let you know that i am not disagreeing with the awareness theme and all the hard work you put in concerning this topic.It would be hypocritical of me to belittle your efforts,as the information given by you and others has been much appreciated.
The whole subject is a grey murky puddle of,to take or not to take ,success and destruction,and denial and realisation.This is made all the more complex by the different combinations of meds that we are on.
Putting aside the over indulgence(lets call it),which scares many considering DA,s away.The move,as i see it for eradication of DA,s also concerns me.What is of great interest to me is the role Azilect plays when combined with other meds.
Having mentioned this not long ago it seems a coincidence that someone you know with previous OCD,s,but off DA,s for 6months,still exhibits OCD tendencies on AZILECT and SINEMET combination.I know someone i bump into regular,never showing tendencies before,now has an OCD problem.What combination,erm,lets try AZILECT and SINEMET.Now Azilect keeps rearing its ugly head.Relatively new,still experimental i,d say.Could this be a major factor in many cases.
After all,sinemet on its own is not meant to exhibit such strong OCD tendencies.So why so many cases cropping up with the Azilect connection.I take Azilect and i know from taking on its own that it improved my symptoms.So,what is the strength of reaction between Azilect and any other pd drug over a long period of time.All the blame could be placed on DA,s when in fact Azilect could be a snake in the grass or at the very least a contributary factor.
Just a thought
All the best
Titan
Hi G/G and all,
Firstly , my sympathy with the rocky path you and your husband are manoeuvring along. Yes , I agree , Ray has been instrumental in helping you and exposing a Neurologist who made mistakes with your husbands medication and let you down.
I am certainly not suggesting Ray " lessons his input" , in assisting people who've fallen foul of the OCD side effects no, not at all.
I was just drawing attention to how tricky it is giving the right amount of information to anybody on or contemplating DA.S, without excessively frightening them.
I repeat my main point , that many of the people who will do well on this medication, and are in the majority (75%) are very apprehensive of taking them , and this is a shame, because there is no way of them knowing , until well into the future , that they are in this safe margin. Meanwhile , much anxiety and unnecessary worry has been put on them.
G/G . - You say those on DA's who are fine , should not restrict those who offer a lifeline to those who need one. I'm sure no one , whatever meds. they were on , would want to do this anyway.
I, by the way , am mainly on a Levadopa drug, having had to discontinue a D.A. medication which had worked well for me, for more than a year, due to other side effects, being fluid retention and oedema.
I regret that this happened , I would have much preferred to postpone the Levadopa medication for reasons set out further back in this thread.
All the best
Lorna
Firstly , my sympathy with the rocky path you and your husband are manoeuvring along. Yes , I agree , Ray has been instrumental in helping you and exposing a Neurologist who made mistakes with your husbands medication and let you down.
I am certainly not suggesting Ray " lessons his input" , in assisting people who've fallen foul of the OCD side effects no, not at all.
I was just drawing attention to how tricky it is giving the right amount of information to anybody on or contemplating DA.S, without excessively frightening them.
I repeat my main point , that many of the people who will do well on this medication, and are in the majority (75%) are very apprehensive of taking them , and this is a shame, because there is no way of them knowing , until well into the future , that they are in this safe margin. Meanwhile , much anxiety and unnecessary worry has been put on them.
G/G . - You say those on DA's who are fine , should not restrict those who offer a lifeline to those who need one. I'm sure no one , whatever meds. they were on , would want to do this anyway.
I, by the way , am mainly on a Levadopa drug, having had to discontinue a D.A. medication which had worked well for me, for more than a year, due to other side effects, being fluid retention and oedema.
I regret that this happened , I would have much preferred to postpone the Levadopa medication for reasons set out further back in this thread.
All the best
Lorna
Hi all.
T: No, let's NOT call it "over-indulgence". Try "necessary educational jolt".
T: If your eyes still see "a move for the eradication of DAs" I've wasted hours of posting on many threads. I suggest you see your optician. I give up.
L: In GG's case we found a failing Neuro who is only now learning the ropes. Overall virtually ALL newbies are exposing Neuros who STILL don't have a clue.
L: I don't believe I'm "excessively frightening" anyone. As stated sometimes a jolt is necessary to ensure PWP realise how their Neuros have let them down.
L: I don't have a problem with all 100% being apprehensive, anxious or necessarily worried, if it helps everyone understand the full implications of all the drug options before setting off on their precarious PD journeys.
L: We would ALL like to be able to delay the start of L-Dopa medication as long as possible. Unfortunately the DA OCDs issue deprives many of us of this option.
L: My commitment to the BENEFITS of DAs is unquestionable.
Ray.
T: No, let's NOT call it "over-indulgence". Try "necessary educational jolt".
T: If your eyes still see "a move for the eradication of DAs" I've wasted hours of posting on many threads. I suggest you see your optician. I give up.
L: In GG's case we found a failing Neuro who is only now learning the ropes. Overall virtually ALL newbies are exposing Neuros who STILL don't have a clue.
L: I don't believe I'm "excessively frightening" anyone. As stated sometimes a jolt is necessary to ensure PWP realise how their Neuros have let them down.
L: I don't have a problem with all 100% being apprehensive, anxious or necessarily worried, if it helps everyone understand the full implications of all the drug options before setting off on their precarious PD journeys.
L: We would ALL like to be able to delay the start of L-Dopa medication as long as possible. Unfortunately the DA OCDs issue deprives many of us of this option.
L: My commitment to the BENEFITS of DAs is unquestionable.
Ray.
Hi Ray,
Your point re " All newbies virtually exposing Neuro's who don't have a clue ". We only know the ones who post here. That is my understanding. Or do you have another source for these figures ?
I know there are some still failing newly diagnosed patients, I wouldn't argue with that. But we still don't know exactly how many.
Other points , shall we just amicably agree to differ ?
You do a good job , I recognise that. After all , we're all after the same goal aren't we. Information , benefit of others experiences and more Drs and Neuros being effective and responsible.
What do you think of the Azilect and Sinemet combination , that both you and Titan have brought up ?
All the best
Lorna
Your point re " All newbies virtually exposing Neuro's who don't have a clue ". We only know the ones who post here. That is my understanding. Or do you have another source for these figures ?
I know there are some still failing newly diagnosed patients, I wouldn't argue with that. But we still don't know exactly how many.
Other points , shall we just amicably agree to differ ?
You do a good job , I recognise that. After all , we're all after the same goal aren't we. Information , benefit of others experiences and more Drs and Neuros being effective and responsible.
What do you think of the Azilect and Sinemet combination , that both you and Titan have brought up ?
All the best
Lorna
Hi Titan Lorna and Ray, I have just read the latest posts about the Azilect/Sinemet thoughts,the concept of which I find interesting.
I can only speak from my own experiences but whilst I was spending my way through a number of credit cards and all the family savings, I was only taking Ropinerole.
As a result I joined many others as 'DA intolerant' and began my levadopa career much earlier than I would have wished. Therefore the theory of a drug combination was not a factor for my OCD behaviors.
Glenchass
I can only speak from my own experiences but whilst I was spending my way through a number of credit cards and all the family savings, I was only taking Ropinerole.
As a result I joined many others as 'DA intolerant' and began my levadopa career much earlier than I would have wished. Therefore the theory of a drug combination was not a factor for my OCD behaviors.
Glenchass
Thanks for that Glenchass.
Anyone out there, taking Asilect in combination with another non DA medication, with thoughts or experiences to relate ?
This is good, if we can toss a few thoughts into the pot. First hand observations , really valuable.
All the best
Lorna
Anyone out there, taking Asilect in combination with another non DA medication, with thoughts or experiences to relate ?
This is good, if we can toss a few thoughts into the pot. First hand observations , really valuable.
All the best
Lorna
Hi Lorna.
Yes I do communicate with individuals from elsewhere than this forum, not all in the UK. Not all are patients.
As far as the Azilect issue goes I haven't yet had the time to dedicate to it that it deserves, but I will do when I can.
(Still trying to get this book finished!)
Ray.
Yes I do communicate with individuals from elsewhere than this forum, not all in the UK. Not all are patients.
As far as the Azilect issue goes I haven't yet had the time to dedicate to it that it deserves, but I will do when I can.
(Still trying to get this book finished!)
Ray.
Thanks Ray,
If i were your Fairy Godmother , i'd wave my wand and grant you a 48 hr day to fit it all in, after i'd taken the pd away first !
All the best
Lorna
If i were your Fairy Godmother , i'd wave my wand and grant you a 48 hr day to fit it all in, after i'd taken the pd away first !
All the best
Lorna
Ray,
You exasperate me sometimes.You seem to select points to throw back from my own message.Yet amongst all the disagreement,plus points we do agree on.The point that i have made concerning the Azilect issue which i feel is of great importance.Was completely ignored by you.This after posting the piece about your friend and Azilect/sinemet OCD scenario.I see relevance,i have related the tale of myself and pwp that i know.
However,that is totally ignored,in your one track pursuit.It takes Lorna to point it out.I am trying to help in this issue,am looking from both sides.I think deep Ray,real deep.I do not just throw words around.I listen and see all that is said.I am taking the b****y stuff.I would love the perfect solution.If there was a cure,we could all just fade away into our own little lives again.
Reality is different,it is not fact it is the impression you give that hints towards the ending of a drug that is still important.
I am still in favour of awareness and back the campaign to promote it,but there are more subtle ways to approach Ray,without stirring up resentments.Maybe some will start thinking that you get a kick out of the confrontation.
Lets all try to work together,you know i am in the midst of a journey,as yet unresolved,looking and understanding from both sides.Look back,see the praise i have showered you with Ray.You court controversy Ray,which always compels me into involvement when i see the good you are doing,whilst causing angst with your double edged sword.
See you around,on the merry go round
I,m dizzy
All the best
Titan
You exasperate me sometimes.You seem to select points to throw back from my own message.Yet amongst all the disagreement,plus points we do agree on.The point that i have made concerning the Azilect issue which i feel is of great importance.Was completely ignored by you.This after posting the piece about your friend and Azilect/sinemet OCD scenario.I see relevance,i have related the tale of myself and pwp that i know.
However,that is totally ignored,in your one track pursuit.It takes Lorna to point it out.I am trying to help in this issue,am looking from both sides.I think deep Ray,real deep.I do not just throw words around.I listen and see all that is said.I am taking the b****y stuff.I would love the perfect solution.If there was a cure,we could all just fade away into our own little lives again.
Reality is different,it is not fact it is the impression you give that hints towards the ending of a drug that is still important.
I am still in favour of awareness and back the campaign to promote it,but there are more subtle ways to approach Ray,without stirring up resentments.Maybe some will start thinking that you get a kick out of the confrontation.
Lets all try to work together,you know i am in the midst of a journey,as yet unresolved,looking and understanding from both sides.Look back,see the praise i have showered you with Ray.You court controversy Ray,which always compels me into involvement when i see the good you are doing,whilst causing angst with your double edged sword.
See you around,on the merry go round
I,m dizzy
All the best
Titan
Hello again Titan, my good friend and sparring partner.
I did explain to Lorna that I hadn't had time to properly investigate the Azilect issue, and it IS one which merits the effort. I WILL follow it up, but only when I'm able. You and I are not fulltime researchers, I wish we were - we'd work well together, though not quietly. Would you rather be Cagney or Lacey?
Similarly I don't always have time to respond to every point by every contributor - sorry folks - so I have to select the most important. Obviously we won't agree on that either!
As you'll know from my posting times my 24 hour day is totally haphazard. I don't know from one day to the next what tomorrow will bring. Sometimes I can type reasonably well, at other times not at all - I can be frozen solid. Sometimes VERY slowly, and with only one finger, as now. As I write I'm shaking a little, my toes are curled and twitching, I have pain in all 4 limbs and my body is slow. This post has taken 50 minutes to write (figure added when I finished!).
My Neuro, PD nurses and GP don't give a damn, and as you've seen my array of medication is a pile of cack. All THEY want to do is keep me subdued/asleep. Not paranoia, just obvious from observations. I've been under this team since 2003 - the team which "held my head under" for years and which was strongly criticised in court. The GP won't even sanction my transfer to another Neuro: he hinted that the practice would take me off their list if I went down THAT route. I assume they're all worried that if I can raise some cash and stay alert I could dump a lawsuit on each of them. (Hmmm, I hope the book sells!).
Anyway, sorry for diverting, see you later.
Ray.
I did explain to Lorna that I hadn't had time to properly investigate the Azilect issue, and it IS one which merits the effort. I WILL follow it up, but only when I'm able. You and I are not fulltime researchers, I wish we were - we'd work well together, though not quietly. Would you rather be Cagney or Lacey?
Similarly I don't always have time to respond to every point by every contributor - sorry folks - so I have to select the most important. Obviously we won't agree on that either!
As you'll know from my posting times my 24 hour day is totally haphazard. I don't know from one day to the next what tomorrow will bring. Sometimes I can type reasonably well, at other times not at all - I can be frozen solid. Sometimes VERY slowly, and with only one finger, as now. As I write I'm shaking a little, my toes are curled and twitching, I have pain in all 4 limbs and my body is slow. This post has taken 50 minutes to write (figure added when I finished!).
My Neuro, PD nurses and GP don't give a damn, and as you've seen my array of medication is a pile of cack. All THEY want to do is keep me subdued/asleep. Not paranoia, just obvious from observations. I've been under this team since 2003 - the team which "held my head under" for years and which was strongly criticised in court. The GP won't even sanction my transfer to another Neuro: he hinted that the practice would take me off their list if I went down THAT route. I assume they're all worried that if I can raise some cash and stay alert I could dump a lawsuit on each of them. (Hmmm, I hope the book sells!).
Anyway, sorry for diverting, see you later.
Ray.
Hi Ray,
You know me only too well.Helping and understanding people is something that seems natural.Yourself Ray,i have shown concern regarding the medication you are on,what a mixture,the Azilect and Anti depressant you take alone worries me.Having been advised not to take them together after voicing concerns.Add to this all your other meds,it is no wonder you are in a stupor at times.
I find that somehow,after our debating we often seem to settle down.Realising that views will always differ,because we are both experiencing pd in our own individual way.I understand just how much work you put in and would like to apologise for not realising the impact pd has had upon your life.I don,t expect you to research my thoughts on the role Azilect plays,i am looking into it in my own time.As for the ongoing DA discussions,well i support anything that eases or prevents suffering,and is for the benefit of all.
Your passion on this issue is probably what causes unrest,but i fully understand your bitterness.I will bear your last message in mind in the future.
With the increasing awareness of just how affected some people are by pd and DA,s.
The book you are hoping to sell
WILL SELL!!!
I will be one of the first to buy a copy
All the best
Titan
You know me only too well.Helping and understanding people is something that seems natural.Yourself Ray,i have shown concern regarding the medication you are on,what a mixture,the Azilect and Anti depressant you take alone worries me.Having been advised not to take them together after voicing concerns.Add to this all your other meds,it is no wonder you are in a stupor at times.
I find that somehow,after our debating we often seem to settle down.Realising that views will always differ,because we are both experiencing pd in our own individual way.I understand just how much work you put in and would like to apologise for not realising the impact pd has had upon your life.I don,t expect you to research my thoughts on the role Azilect plays,i am looking into it in my own time.As for the ongoing DA discussions,well i support anything that eases or prevents suffering,and is for the benefit of all.
Your passion on this issue is probably what causes unrest,but i fully understand your bitterness.I will bear your last message in mind in the future.
With the increasing awareness of just how affected some people are by pd and DA,s.
The book you are hoping to sell
WILL SELL!!!
I will be one of the first to buy a copy
All the best
Titan
Ray,
Me too , gotta be signed tho ( and dedicated )
Me too , gotta be signed tho ( and dedicated )
When you're wallowing about in self pity wondering "Why me?", it's very easy - whilst feeling so sorry for yourself - to think that the whole world has been loaded onto your shoulders, and yours alone. You tend to unconsciously assume that all those people out there quietly "listening" to your grumpy and self indulgent rantings are 100% fit, and have NO IDEA! Quite the opposite is the case, of course: 90% of them are probably much worse off than you, but just don't whinge about it.
All of us here have difficulties, many very individual, but all equally detrimental to our physical health and our morale. I must not assume that everyone out there is feeling tip top and 100% today, I must be more considerate.
I have often told people to put their problems into perspective, and by way of example reminded them that there are over 6 billion poor souls out there whose lives are infinitely worse than their own. I must now practise what I preach!
All of us here have difficulties, many very individual, but all equally detrimental to our physical health and our morale. I must not assume that everyone out there is feeling tip top and 100% today, I must be more considerate.
I have often told people to put their problems into perspective, and by way of example reminded them that there are over 6 billion poor souls out there whose lives are infinitely worse than their own. I must now practise what I preach!
Well said Ray, my lovely daughter aged 38 is recovering albeit slowly but alive none the less, from 2 brain aneurisms and a bout of meningitis. My own difficulties have been on the back burner since May 8th and I can see no self indulgence for myself in the very near future. She is still unable to eat or drink and is being tube fed and down to 5st, believe me when I say I would have gladly swopped places with her over the past weeks and taken my chances with the Lord!
We all have some cross to bear and it's very strange how despite our own physical pain and difficulties we are able to rise above it, particularly if a loved one is hurting or needs us. I'm pretty sure that at some point I will hit the deck like a ton of bricks but for now it's onward and upward....put that smile on an get on with it.
Take care everyone
Glenchass
We all have some cross to bear and it's very strange how despite our own physical pain and difficulties we are able to rise above it, particularly if a loved one is hurting or needs us. I'm pretty sure that at some point I will hit the deck like a ton of bricks but for now it's onward and upward....put that smile on an get on with it.
Take care everyone
Glenchass
.
Well said too. You are one brave and devoted parent.
.
Did you know that the UK is only 20th on the list of countries by overall life expectancy at birth? I was amazed to discover this only a few minutes ago.
.
Others on that list include:-
.
1. Japan 82.6
2. Hong Kong 82.2
3. Iceland 81.8
4. Switzerland 81.7
5. Australia 81.2
8. Israel 80.7
13. Norway 80.2
18. Greece 79.5
20. United Kingdom 79.4
30. Costa Rica 78.8
31. Puerto Rico 78.7
34. South Korea 78.6
45. Albania 76.4
53. Poland 75.6
194. Swaziland 39.6
.
Not very impressive that. Good job we have the NHS!
.
Plod on!
Well said too. You are one brave and devoted parent.
.
Did you know that the UK is only 20th on the list of countries by overall life expectancy at birth? I was amazed to discover this only a few minutes ago.
.
Others on that list include:-
.
1. Japan 82.6
2. Hong Kong 82.2
3. Iceland 81.8
4. Switzerland 81.7
5. Australia 81.2
8. Israel 80.7
13. Norway 80.2
18. Greece 79.5
20. United Kingdom 79.4
30. Costa Rica 78.8
31. Puerto Rico 78.7
34. South Korea 78.6
45. Albania 76.4
53. Poland 75.6
194. Swaziland 39.6
.
Not very impressive that. Good job we have the NHS!
.
Plod on!
Hi Radar47, welcome.
Would you like to discuss your brother's predicament further?
Ray.
Would you like to discuss your brother's predicament further?
Ray.
Thanks Ray for your welcome and pointing me in the right direction on this forum.
I spoke with my brother halod an hour ago and asked what drugs he is on now. Up till wednesday he was Dopamine but the GP told him to come off them and gave him Stalevo, Mira Pexan. I was gob smacked he was told just stop onw drug so quickely surely doing that must cause side affects??? I have been reading up on the aforementioned drugs and beggar me they seem to have the same bleeding side effects....In my brothers own words he is invincible and no one or nothing can touch him, that's when I verbally kicked his ass, saying he can not use the drugs as an excuse to be doing these things.....yes, he gambles heavily, never gambled before, excessive spending, like how many suits does one need he bought 6 this last week and some the week before because he might need them. Three sets of garden furniture arrived on Wednesday and 2 wide screen TVs.
Again Ray thanks for been so open about your past on that drug, because I just wouldn't believe that those things would happen....problem now is how do we stop him.
I spoke with my brother halod an hour ago and asked what drugs he is on now. Up till wednesday he was Dopamine but the GP told him to come off them and gave him Stalevo, Mira Pexan. I was gob smacked he was told just stop onw drug so quickely surely doing that must cause side affects??? I have been reading up on the aforementioned drugs and beggar me they seem to have the same bleeding side effects....In my brothers own words he is invincible and no one or nothing can touch him, that's when I verbally kicked his ass, saying he can not use the drugs as an excuse to be doing these things.....yes, he gambles heavily, never gambled before, excessive spending, like how many suits does one need he bought 6 this last week and some the week before because he might need them. Three sets of garden furniture arrived on Wednesday and 2 wide screen TVs.
Again Ray thanks for been so open about your past on that drug, because I just wouldn't believe that those things would happen....problem now is how do we stop him.
Hi again.
I'm not aware of any problems with Stalevo, I take it myself. However almost all of these Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders (OCDs) result from the side effects of drugs in the dopamine agonist group (DAs) such as the Cabergoline I was prescribed, which has now been withdrawn. Mirapexin, also known as Pramipexole, IS in this group. Normally if you have problems with one DA you'll have trouble with all of them.
There are scores of different obsessions these drugs can cause, and more are being discovered all the time. Here is a recent list. The first 10 are the most common:
Gambling
Excessive lifestyle
Shopping
Hyper spending
Reckless generosity
Hypersexuality
Extramarital affairs
Suspicions of partner’s infidelity
Cross dressing
Pornography (inc child pornography)
Prostitution use
Fetishism (e.g. bondage, masochism, sadism, paraphilia)
Sexual reorientation
Obsessive masturbation
Exhibitionism
Paedophilia
Zoophilia
Visual hallucinations
Obsessive risk-taking
Punding
Delusions (e.g. grandeur, paranoia)
Threats of violence
Violence
GBH/ABH/Disfigurement
Murder
Self harm
Suicides & attempts
Massive creativity change
Singing
Eating
Most affected patients suffer from one compulsion initially, and then more come along. Compulsions usually get worse when doses are increased. Most sufferers become secretive, devious and aggressive, and deny everything - usually blaming the accuser and claiming there ISN'T a problem.
Will write more while you absorb, sorry my typing is so slow!
Ray.
I'm not aware of any problems with Stalevo, I take it myself. However almost all of these Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders (OCDs) result from the side effects of drugs in the dopamine agonist group (DAs) such as the Cabergoline I was prescribed, which has now been withdrawn. Mirapexin, also known as Pramipexole, IS in this group. Normally if you have problems with one DA you'll have trouble with all of them.
There are scores of different obsessions these drugs can cause, and more are being discovered all the time. Here is a recent list. The first 10 are the most common:
Gambling
Excessive lifestyle
Shopping
Hyper spending
Reckless generosity
Hypersexuality
Extramarital affairs
Suspicions of partner’s infidelity
Cross dressing
Pornography (inc child pornography)
Prostitution use
Fetishism (e.g. bondage, masochism, sadism, paraphilia)
Sexual reorientation
Obsessive masturbation
Exhibitionism
Paedophilia
Zoophilia
Visual hallucinations
Obsessive risk-taking
Punding
Delusions (e.g. grandeur, paranoia)
Threats of violence
Violence
GBH/ABH/Disfigurement
Murder
Self harm
Suicides & attempts
Massive creativity change
Singing
Eating
Most affected patients suffer from one compulsion initially, and then more come along. Compulsions usually get worse when doses are increased. Most sufferers become secretive, devious and aggressive, and deny everything - usually blaming the accuser and claiming there ISN'T a problem.
Will write more while you absorb, sorry my typing is so slow!
Ray.
Me again.
The latest research figures from the The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA - published in February 2011, show that 24% of patients prescribed DAs will develop Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders to some degree.
As you know PD is caused by a loss of the body's natural supply of dopamine, and there are basically two ways of dealing with this medicinally. The "Gold Standard", good old reliable drug is Levodopa in its various forms: it's the main component in Stalevo for example. However it has a tendency to become less effective over time, so neurologists try to delay starting it.
Therefore when this new group, DAs, was introduced in the late 90s as a second way of dealing with the problem, they were well pleased. It not only allowed the Levodopa to be delayed, but was also EXTREMELY good at improving patients' mobility and other symptoms. I can vouch for it. Some called it a "wonder drug".
But later the OCD side effects started rearing their ugly heads and all hell broke loose for those 24% who reacted badly. Consultant neurologists were all informed of the dangers, and instructed to explain the risks of DAs to new PD patients, and involve them in the decision making. Because patients who suffer the OCDs can change so drastically and dangerously, it was recommended tnat DAs should not be prescribed to people who live alone.
tbc
The latest research figures from the The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, USA - published in February 2011, show that 24% of patients prescribed DAs will develop Obsessive/Compulsive Disorders to some degree.
As you know PD is caused by a loss of the body's natural supply of dopamine, and there are basically two ways of dealing with this medicinally. The "Gold Standard", good old reliable drug is Levodopa in its various forms: it's the main component in Stalevo for example. However it has a tendency to become less effective over time, so neurologists try to delay starting it.
Therefore when this new group, DAs, was introduced in the late 90s as a second way of dealing with the problem, they were well pleased. It not only allowed the Levodopa to be delayed, but was also EXTREMELY good at improving patients' mobility and other symptoms. I can vouch for it. Some called it a "wonder drug".
But later the OCD side effects started rearing their ugly heads and all hell broke loose for those 24% who reacted badly. Consultant neurologists were all informed of the dangers, and instructed to explain the risks of DAs to new PD patients, and involve them in the decision making. Because patients who suffer the OCDs can change so drastically and dangerously, it was recommended tnat DAs should not be prescribed to people who live alone.
tbc
Going on that list the poor soul has a fair few of them....I am a loss at how to be of help to him living so far away but I will fight with him to help him get through this. If I could only make him see that his wife and children do not hate him but he wont have it at all, all these problems are down to his wife and always says to me that she is up to something and he does not trust her.
Never mind the slow typing Ray in my mind you are doing a stellar job,
Radar
Never mind the slow typing Ray in my mind you are doing a stellar job,
Radar