When I first attempted to register in this forum, the first time the system thought my attempt was a spammer, I used my first name, Ivan. But then Chemar suggested to use a different name for the second attempt. So I chose "lobo". In Spanish, lobo means "wolf", an animal I feel sympathy and admiration for. My admiration is derived not necessarily from the hierarchical social structure in the wolf pack required to function and survive as a group, but from their team work approach, in particular for hunting. I am not a sociobiologist but I have the impression wolves are not an endangered species as maybe tigers are because wolves support each other in spite of their differences.

I am currently 51 years old. Married to the same woman 26 years. Father of two boys, 25 and 24. First motor symptoms of PD started around six and a half years ago.

For approx. 5 years I took one pill of Sinemet 25/250 mg, fractioned in two ingestions, one half in the morning and another half in the afternoon. But the disease has taken its toll and I take now 2 Sinemet pills, fractioned in four ingestions. Recently, I have been using Neupro patches and taking in addition, Lexapro.

I live in Ecuador, by the way.

In this past week that I have participated in this forum, I have found it supportive. Few people who responded to one question I had regarding the use of Neupro, were very helpful. Thanks again, fellows.

Truly Yours,

Lobo

Welcome lobo.

Hi Lobo

Welcome to NeuroTalk.

When I tried to join I had the same "spammer" problem as you did but one of the PsychCentral admins sorted it for me.

I hope that you will find the NeuroTalk community as knowledgeable and supportive as I have.

Thank you, Kiwi33.

Indeed, when I asked for an advice about the transdermal patch I am using now, there were some suggestions and tips that were helpful. For instance, I was unaware of the peak-dose dyskinesia and for the past days I have read a lot about dopamine agonists as adjuvant therapy for LID when administered in combination with levodopa.

Regards,

Lobo

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Thank you, Darlene.

In my introduction I spoke about the wolf's pack and social structure to survive. In a way I meant this forum to resemble that pack and be supportive and help us to survive.

At times, no matter our own spiritual belief or practice, I find life as a jungle where one need to strive and permanently fight in order to survive and exist.

When I was diagnosed with PD's, I did not complain. I only prayed to the Creator to give me character and strength to deal with this issue on a daily basis and on an hourly basis. Under this condition - as most of you are familiar with - you may feel in excellent condition in the morning but few hours later your condition is different. And it takes character to live under these varied circumstances and be able to adjust and learn how to manage it with effectiveness.

I joined this community because I identify with you, people, even if I do not have the pleasure of meeting you, in person. And not matter how much our own family members love us, they do not have the slightest idea how we feel every day, every hour. At the most they can only imagine!

Have a good day, all.

Lobo

Hi Lobo,

Yes, we are a Community, a very special one where new Members are welcomed and integrated seamlessly.

You say our families (and our friends, if they stick around) may not understand, and that is an important function of our peer-based Group, but equally important, we give space to do everything from exchanging ideas to venting, thus giving our families a break from US!

So, welcome to the Pack - with all it's little interconnected subgroups making one glorious Whole,

Dave.