carb-lev and protein

Hey Dan I remember when I first started taking sinemet I was worried about the eating restrictions also. At first followed them pretty religously with decent response to medication. After awhile effect of medication seemed to dwindle so I asked neuro he told me I only really needed to limit protien about 1 hour before and after. He said everyones response is different of course.

Colt

I thought my symptoms were worse, but now I am not sure. This spring when putting my 22.5 foot  pontoon in the water I had trouble backing up with the trailer. The boat is wider than my van so you have to use the side mirrors. I had to think which way to turn the steering wheel. It was always automatic....did not have to think about it. When I backed the empty trailer over a culvert to park it for the summer I missed on both sides and went down into the ditch....took out both taillights. When I was done it dawned on me that I was using the side mirrirs. When you see the trailer in the side mirrors it is too late. I always open the liftgate and look over my right shoulder.....but not this time. JUST STUPID. A few days ago I backed my 15 foot boat on a trailer into a very difficult space. No problem....stupid opened the liftgate.

I am still not sure about sinemet. My opinion is probably a moot point because I don't think I can tolerate the drug. On the third day I could not stay awake. 45 minutes after taking it I was gone. Also My blood pressure and pulse were very low. Pulse as low as 35 beats per minute. However, I use eyedrops for glaucoma. After using Brimonidine for many months I read that you should not use it with another drug that is a MAO inhibitor. Naturally it does not say why.  Azilect is a MAO-B inhibitor. Recently had lazer surgery on both eyes. Hopefully I can stop the brimonidine and see what happens. May try the sinemet again sometime.

 For now just Azilect, at about $600 for 90 days, and Artane.

Meanwhile, my blood pressure is a bit low and my pulse very erratic. Anywhere from 35 to 90 beats per minute. And I feel just fine. I can do anything I want.

Dan

Just curious, where do you live? I live in northern Michigan.

Dan, sinemet had kind of a weird effect on me at first.  For probably 3 to 4 years before I was diagnosed I  was very stiff and sore and really didnt know why at 37 years old, lots of back trouble.  I remember the day I was diagnosed the neuro prescribed me sinemet for 30 days to see how I responded to confirm the diagnosis.  My wife brought me home I took the pills for the first time, laid down in bed and within 20 minutes it felt like my body was melting everything immediately loosened up.  So I thought great but a couple days later nausea came on along with the fatigue but after a couple weeks it kinda leveled out.  After 30 days neuro took me off sinemet and put me on mirapex which really has done nothing for me.  After my symptoms got alot worse I was put back on sinemet and over the last 8 to 9 months I have had to increase dosage by order of movement specialist just so I could move at all.  Up to taking 1 and 1/2 25/100 every four hours along with mirapex 4 times a day and also 1mg azilect.  Im glad your still able to drive and do the things you enjoy.  Hopefully since you arent able to tolerate it you wont even need the sinemet.  So yeah, Im from a tiny little town call Dover in Kansas, havent had any trouble backing the forklift lately Ive been off work for about 4 months.  As far as retirement I guess I already am at the ripe old age of 41.  I dont move very well anymore things progressed pretty fast.  My wife applied me for social security and I was approved.   Only took about 4 to5 weeks, weird huh, everybody kept telling me I would get denied the first time.  So like I said I guess I am retired, still trying to get used to that idea.  Take care ............................................Colt