We are looking at something new that we should not be seeing and which could be very important.

Debi, please pay attention. I know that I kid around a lot but I'm dead serious on this and someone needs to put it in front of the right people.

We are looking at some type of what is known as a "periodic paralysis." The first one was discovered in 1984, so this is still the frontier. There are a half-dozen or so types known. With one exception they are genetic. Usually they are extremely rare, show up before the age of 20, affect Oriental men, or otherwise should not even affect one, single person on this forum! And yet we have roughly a half-dozen!

There are two possible explanations and both are exciting. One is that we all have the variety that is not genetic but, instead, results from thyroid problems. Statistically, there should not even be one of us in a group this size. And this would mean that the place of the endocrine system needs to be looked at in depth and post-haste.

The second is that PWP can develop a hitherto unknown disease of this type either as part of the disease or as a side effect of medication. That latter possibility needs an even faster look since it could yield dramatic QOL improvement at almost zero cost.

These are what are known as channelopathies or ion channel disorders. They are being researched but without any particular importance. That needs to change.

Before I go on, let me emphasize one thing- If this is indeed what we are seeing THERE ARE EFFECTIVE TREATMENTS ALREADY ON THE SHELF!! That is, those of us who are already dealing with this as well as those who are destined to deal with it have aid available right now that may do more for QOL than sinemet or anything else! Again, it depends on the nature of what is leaving me confined to a chair for eight or so hours per day right now, but the odds are high that something dramatic could come from this.

Now, I am going to paste in some resources for everyone to think over. But do remember, this is new territory and we may even be looking at a new "species" so don't rule anything out until we get looked at.