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Dad Just Diagnosed

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Parkinson's Disease
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Posted 8/4/2006 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
Our Dad was just diagnosed on August 2nd.  He went to a general Neurologist.  He said that Dad's PD was unusual because of the way it began.  Dad's began with one foot, then his leg and now over to the other side.  Although recently we figured out loss of smell is a sign of PD.  So actually that was his first symptom and that was about 9 years ago.  The doctor has prescribed him Mirapex and we are to see him back in 4 weeks.  Since then we have spoken with other PD relatives and they are urging us to see a PD specialist.  At the moment we are still very confused for lack of better word.  And mostly scared.  Dad is 70 years old.  He has been having tremors for about 3 years.  His regular physician told him it was just nerves as my Dad is a very anxious person.  Right now we are trying not to show any sense of worry with Dad and that this really isnt that bad of a diagnosis. But with that being said, we are reading alot on the internet and getting more and more unsure of things.  Has anyone every seen Parkinson's begin like this, have you taken Mirapex and what was your thoughts on it?  Do you recommend a Specialist?  And is this not as bad as what we would like to believe?  Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 8/4/2006 6:38 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome to Healing well.I hope you get other replies besides mine.Sorry to hear about your dad,but PD isn't the end of the world unless we choose to make it that.There are many effective meds to treat it such as Mirapex,and requip a very similar drug.I have been on mirapex for several years,and have no adverse effects from it.Having said that I will also say that everyone reacts differently to the same drug in both side effects,and effectiveness.I would caution with mirapex not to allow dad to drive untill you see how he reacts as it can cause extreme fatigue in some.You mentioned anxiety,and this also is a symptom of PD..Watch for depression which occurs in 40 % of those with PD.Both can be treated very effectively.Symptoms of PD differ greatly amoung individuals this is one of the reasons it is difficult to diagnose.I would definitely see a movement disorder specialist as they have the best handle on PD,and treatment . I wish you and your dad the best. Ed

Posted 8/4/2006 7:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Ed for your reply. Because we dont know..Does Mirapex help make your tremors not as noticible? Dad's doctor told him he would be given more energy because Dad does not have hardly any, but the medicine is supposed to cause fatigue. I dont understand that. And by the way, we have restricted him from driving until we go back to the doctor in 4 weeks.
Posted 8/4/2006 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Mirapex does little for tremors with me ,but does improve my balance,and walk.I am also on stalevo(comtan sinemet combo)making it harder to sort out what does what.Mirapex or requip are generally the first meds used before going to sinemet,and even then often the neuro ups dosage before going to sinemet.I found that I needed to adjust the time I took mirapex.Not taking it after 4 pm if going to bed at 10 as it definitely causes insomnia,and can also lead to vivid dreams.This does seem like a contradiction to falling asleep,so I guess it is best described as causing sleep disorders.I would bring up 2 points.1.It will take time for dad to adjust to mirapex.2.once on it don't abruptly stop taking it.Fatigue seems to be a symptom of PD as well as the meds.Tremors and anxiety require a tremendous amount of energy.I will be on chat tonite at 7:00 pm est if you want to drop in Ed ps bring dad .
Posted 9/19/2006 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
dsastacks,

so glad to read your post.i was diagnosed about 6yrs ago showing my right foot turned and completely pointing to my left instep also tremor in left hand. Phisio nurses worked wonders for weeks and finaly straightened my foot. I am now on mirapex and it has taken many weeks to establish.I must say my tremers are hardly seen although i feel them inside.I now sleep all night with little disturbance and i do not go into the deep sleeps during the day like i used to. I still get my bad days but with billy's advice i am coping better. bear with the mirapex and hopefully you will see the differance soon and feel a whole lot better. I wish you all the best .

Grace L.
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