Brain,

I think for example that Valium is good for muscle relaxation.

Valium will not be the same for anti- seziures that Klonopin is. (I do cannot look up all of that now, but that is what I have off the top of my head.)

Maybe do not think of Klonopin as strong. Think of Valium as weak.

Mar

Brain,

Drs do not explain stuff when they handout the 'scripts. This is also why it is against the law to share prescribed meds.

Inform yourself about what you are taking.
Waves linked to a good chart.

It is going to be o.k.

Mari

Thanks everyone for the good advise. Yeah, I don't have or take Valium anymore. That was years ago but it was very hard to get off of. You are all right for your concern over the Klonopin. I did not realize how strong it was but I like your point Mari to think of the Valium as weak instead of the Klonopin as strong. My refill is on 3/23/13. We have enough of the Klonopin around to keep me in my regular dose of 1.0 nightly until then. I told my mom about the problem and she took care of it for me.
Me and my mom have had a real hard week. I am struggling today and last night. I don't know what happened but I can't stop crying and feel not right. I have not been sleeping well so today I finally was so exhausted that I was able to sleep all day. I just woke up at 2:00.
Besides the stress of my dad, I am worried that I have the same thing as him. (Shy-Dragers) often referred to as DOUBLE Parkinson's disease. I have the same symptoms as him. This REM sleeping disorder is what they call a precursor to this disease. Also, the passing out/dizziness. I have been to his neurologist and he said I do not have enough of the symptoms for a diagnosis of that yet. He is doing blood work with me and my dad to see if he can establish a genetic link.
he is the neurologist that diagnosed me with post concussive syndrome manifested by cognitive impairment and chronic pain as well as the sleep and seizure disorder. Please pray for me. I am not strong enough to make it through much more. I have been through too much in my life.
Brain

Brain

Please realize that rem sleep is a problem for many disorders and things.
So please don't just assume it means you have the same thing your dad has.

Also when you were talking about your dad not qualifying for home health services because he only has medicare. This might not be true, these services would be more if the doctor approves them. And the service can find a way to prove he needs them.

Medicare I believe is also one way to get this. But its also a senior service.
Not knowing for sure how old he is, I can't say for sure. But its not something you shouldn't check out. I have a daughter-in-law that has a set of grandparents that never thought they would qualify, because of income. They did, because of age. And its services being for everyone.

Donna

xanax is short acting, klonipin is longer acting and vallium is the longest acting ans is the easiest to get off of.
If your dad is homebound and needs a nurse like to do blood work etc. or if he needs Physical therapy then he could have an aid to come and help with his bath say 3 times a week. medicare would pay for this irregardless of your income status.
hospice provides a mon thru friday aide for my father in law. but he is there about an hour each day.
when he was on home care alone they were there less than half and hour tops.
bizi

Who do you contact for the home care? Medicare? Or do you find a private company and see if they will accept Medicare? He has UnitedHealthcare as a supplement also. Or do you go through the doctor?
Thanks,
Brain

Brain,

Go through his doctor.

Mari

Yes his doctor will be the one to know who to call.

Donna

There will be several companies to choose from, look in the yellow pages.(you could try to pick one close to his home. they all take medicare and insurance so don't worry about that. Call your doctors office and see if he would allow home care you could tell him what company you would like and he would fax over orders. He may have a certain company that he prefers to use but technically it is your call to what company you want to use. Your doctor will probably agree to home care to have a nurse monitor his progress/health status on a regular basis weekly most likely. Sometimes doctors have nurse practioners to make house calls too.
one of the home health care companies that is associated with a local hospital might be a good one to use. visiting nurses is good if you have them.
Your area council on aging may help you to get other services that may be available to you.
bizi