My wife was diagnosed with PD nearly four years ago in her mid-50's. She has been on Mirapex for three years (now at about 1.75mg per day) and Rasagiline 1 mg. for about two (starting getting it from Israel before it had US approval.) Until recently she was doing reasonably well. Now is having much more stiffness and the meds seem to be having less affect that previously. She is feeling quite down about her future prospects. (She is also taking COQ 10 for neuroprotective qualities.)

She goes to work daily and has a high level job at mid-sized company and does well at that job.

She is on the waiting list to see a new neuro who comes highly recommended, but that won't be until late August.

I have a few questions for those of you on this forum with more experience with PD:

(1) How many 'good years' can she expect from Levadopa?
(2) Is it likely that someone will benefit longer from L-dopa if you have previously been on an agonist?
(3) Does the 5 year 'honeymoon' period that people write and talk about include the time on Mirapex?
(4) Can she still get benefit from higher doses of Mirapex? I read some of the trials which seem to indicate that the benefits max out at 1.5 mg per day. Are there folks who benefit from higher doses?

These are some questions to start with. I would very much appreciate people's input on these.

Thanks,

Howard