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Parkinson's Disease
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Posted 10/7/2007 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
I was dx in June of this year, but had symptoms for at least a year prior (probably 3-5).  I am 42.  I have pretty much classic symptoms: rest tremor in left hand and progressing into arm; stiffness (left side primarily, arm, shoulder, leg, neck, lack of arm swing on left side); and slowness (primarily left hand).  I also have double vision (convergence insufficiency) which is supposedly caused by slowness of one of my eye muscles.  I am taking Sinemet (25/100 3 xday) and I get good benefit from that, but my symptoms return after 2-3 hours, so dr and I have recently added Mirapex (now taking .75 mg 3x day).  I think I am noticing some improvement with that, but gradual.  I work full time (probation officer); I am married and have two sons (14 and 10).  14 yr old has autism.  Any way, I just wanted to introduce myself. 

I am curious what others have experienced with Mirapex and whether they have noticed many negative side effects. 

Thanks

Posted 10/7/2007 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Weissguy,Welcome to HealingWell.I've been on mirapex for many years.I have noticed that it causes swelling in my ankles,and when I first started taking mirapex I would nod off with little warning.I would be carefull driving .I no longer fall asleep at the drop of a hat.Mirapex affects everyone differently as do all meds but the two effects I mentioned seem to be universal.Talk to your neurologist about taking comtan with your sinemet to extend your on time.with it.I take stalevo which is sinemet + comtan,and it greatly improved my on time with sinemet.It is expensive,and comtan does cause nausea in many ,but may be worth a shot.Wish you the best,and I hope you hear from others on their PD meds.Ed
Posted 10/8/2007 11:43 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Ed.  Nice to meet you on here.
Posted 10/29/2007 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
As a former (15 years) p.o. I just wanted to welcome you to the forum.  When you have the time (I hope that you aren't doing the 60-80 hour weeks like I used to) read through the postings and you will find a lot of useful information especially regarding medications.  I left probation at the end of '97 and was not diagnosed with PD until June of 2006.   You mention some of the things that I have previously questioned and no one here has been able to answer, such as why the tremor usually starts in the left hand, why pain  in the left shoulder, why blurred vision, etc.  I assume that it has to do with the area of the brain affected and I have a little knowledge of the vision and brain relationship, but I would be interested in any information that anyone has in these areas.    

Post Edited (gtmriviera) : 10/29/2007 1:28:34 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/1/2007 11:01 AM (GMT 0)

gtm,

I wish I had the answers to your questions.  My vision has gone double, which I guess is a rare symptom of pd.  My tremor and other symptoms are definitely predominant on left side. 

I only put in 40 hrs as a po.  I work for Washington State and with the union it prevents long hrs. 

Posted 11/1/2007 6:43 PM (GMT 0)
My supervisor would walk by my door at 5:00 and say "I know that you're about to leave", smile, wink.  One day I did and never went back.  I had eye surgery in December 2005 and went back many times to the doctor for additional treatment as my vision would quickly get blurry again.  I think now that this is probably due to Parkinsons, but other than hearing that others have the same problem I don't know the cause of it.  If anyone knows any articles about this particular problem I would be interested.  Thanks.  PS- I also have a son with a form of autism known as Aspergers Syndrome.
Posted 11/6/2007 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
My right arm and leg are weaker than my left side. It started in the right side, and thank God I'm able to maintain this in one side for 17 years. Regarding vision, usually it is affected by PD. Usually eyes become dry and the tendency is to blink more often. Time will come that you want your eyes close most of the time even if you're talking. This is a part of PD as it progresses, your vision become blurred and your eyes is always tired so you want them close.
Posted 11/9/2007 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
This is very interesting because you are the first person that I've heard from that was affected only on the right side.  As for the eyes, I've always heard that one of the symptoms is that we don't blink nearly as often as is considered "normal."  My eyes definitely need eye drops at least once a day.
Posted 11/13/2007 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am right side affected but my hand tremors have moved to left hand recently.
Posted 11/15/2007 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
For a great article on the brain see National Geographic for November.  With easy to understand graphics and explanations it explains the areas of the brain and their functions.  The emphasis of the article is memory, not physical functioning, but there is some discussion of the areas that control how our brain "remembers" how to walk, ride a bicycle, etc.  I looked for help in the article in understanding why most of us are affected first on the left side, but unfortunately it still isn't clear to me.  I still recommend it to anyone who may be interested in this area of vital importance, especially to us PD folks.
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