My wife was diagnosed with the beginnings of Parkinson's about four months ago and the neurologist put her on three pills a day of levodopa/carbidopa. Within five days, when before she graduated to the three a day of the pills, she was filling great and all symptoms disappeared. However, about a month ago I noticed she was breathing very heavily So I started watching. She will be sitting in a chair watching tv, and I see her entire chest really going or heaving up and down and the lower part of her face is held differently like she is full of air (difficult to describe). I did call the doctor about two weeks ago and was told to have her take whole, half, whole, half of the medicine. I do not think that has done anything. I know I do not know much, but I feel something has to be done. My wife does not have an appointment till Feb.20, but I may call the doctor again tomorrow. I would really appreciate any advice from all and everyone.

Keep in touch with the dr & let dr know that it is still a problem.
Usually they are only suggesting slight adjustments that might have worked for others, often it is a balancing act with medications.

Does your wife notice or mention anything about her breathing or any chest heaviness?
Does anything change if she moves around or leans forward, if it is air?
Can you listen to her chest /breathing , does it sound normal? (ear on chest)

How mobile is she , what if she lays on the floor or bed tummy then back?

I actually have only mentioned it a few times, because I do not want to upset her. She actually says she feels good, but the heavy breathing thing is so noticeable to me. She just came back to sit down and I see it a lot now....do not know what to do. Thank you for answering me.

What about any visitors or family members, is it noticeable to them?
Has anyone mentioned it?
Maybe ask them aside privately if it might be upsetting..

Is she the type that will say things are OK , even if they might not be ?
Or is she pretty straight forward about health information?


I would let the dr know that it seems the same as before, but she says she feels OK..
They may say bring her in , or wait another week to see how it goes..

Is she on any other medications of any kind?

She takes a little cholesterol medicine and cymbalta which her medical doctor said he was planning to take her off. We live by ourselves so no one really sees her except her friends in the pool at the YMCA, whom I do not see. Maybe I can try to ask one of them if they notice.

Hi thadkres

You and your wife might find the information in this site about known side-effects of Levodopa/Carbidopain helpful:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/d...s/a601068.html

I hope that it will assist your wife in asking her neurologist questions about her medication.