Hi Ibby,
I have had PD for 17 years now, and the slightest amount of sinemet now gives me writhing dyskinesia. Dyskinesia started around year 4 to 5, but was not a problem unless I overdosed. It has got steadily worse, until now I have cut back sinemet so drastically that I managed all this week on two 50 mg tablets of sinemet, and 1mg mirapex per day. Surprisingly I can manage on that small amount. I still drive (no accidents for 24 years.)
I had 2 dental appointments last month, and I went to the dentist without any medication, to avoid writhing about when I was in the chair. Previously the dentist had to abort a filling when I could not keep still, after taking just one 50mg levodopa.
I also believe dyskinesia is not researched enough. It could give an insight into PD. I can precipitate dyskinesia when I start to eat. The act of chewing seems to initiate it. Am I alone in this?? I suspect it only happens to long term sufferers. How long have you had PD? What level of L-dopa are you on?
Ron