Caring for my DH with Parkinson's. Had an appointment with neurologist today. Back in March she prescribed one month of PT and a new med, a patch called Neupro which is indicated for restless leg syndrome, and is a Levidopa agonist, thus prolonging its effect. He improved markedly with both changes. I/we both told her that the new meds and continued exercise routine at home were working well, and even she noticed an improvement in his gait and posture...HOWEVER, she still wanted to prescribe more meds for him! Has anyone ever used a nasal spray form of Levidopa? What has been your experience, good, bad or indifferent? I think she must be getting kickbacks from pharma reps. Every time we go, she offers a new med or an increase in what he's taking, even though he seems to be stable on the current dosage. Changing doctors is so stressful to him (AND ME!) I am reluctant to do it. At least she no longer insists that he go on the new or increased meds, leaves it to us to decide. Just venting because these meds are not cheap! In the donut hole after only five months. Anybody else have this problem?
But still. Speaking for myself, I cannot imagine being offered a prescription by a doctor and not asking what it's for - what it's supposed to achieve, what the thinking is, how it will work, in what way we hope it will benefit me, are there any risks or drawbacks I need to know about.
So if you ask your neurologist those questions, she either will or won't come up with reasoning that makes sense to you. And if it does, great, go ahead; and if it doesn't, say no thank you.
I also would never be ashamed to state frankly that cost IS an issue, and if she, the neurologist, can come up with a drug regimen that will deliver the same benefits for less money you would be a happier bunny. I think we're all prone to feel that when it comes to our loved ones no price is too high and money must be no object, and it leaves us open to exploitation. This shiny strawberry flavoured tablet does exactly the same job as the grey chalky one and costs twice the price, but surely we only want the best for our best beloveds? There's nothing wrong with being a canny consumer.
Thanks for your response. This disease is so baffling and frustrating. Neurologist always asks if he feels any wearing off and he just shrugs. Like you, I notice very slight differences, usually in speech and comprehension. She always asks about "freezing" which I see regularly, and involuntary movement, which is rare. I think she is queing off of the freezing to up or change meds, as everything else is the same or even better since the PT and getting more exercise (she even noticed the improvement in his gait). I think I will continue to advocate for not adding meds unless really necessary. Already declined the hallucination medicine - one of the side effects is hallucinations!! Hugs to you and blessings. We have a long hard road ahead. Prayers that we are strong enough to endure
I know this is an unpopular opinion, but seriously a diet of clean organic real food, not the crap you stick in the microwave or comes prepackaged and pure clean purified water will go a long way in clearing up his symptoms. Pharmaceuticals are Never the answer to ones ills, they actually make things worse in the long run.
Your body was designed to heal itself with proper nutrition not drugs.
Another great way to regain health is stop eating sugar, flour and wheat products.
Stay away from canola oils and the like, use organic butter, olive or avocado oils.
As Hippocrates once said long ago and is still true today...”Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”. Words to live by.
Most seniors today are deficient in magnesium, which if supplemented would really do wonders for the restless legs and many other ills.
In other words good nutrition is the answer!
There is so much great information out there regarding natural healing, you just need to look for it and stop believing doctors are gods.
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