[proudest_mama]

After 11 years of being on the same, exact medicine and the same, exact dose, (Mirapex 1.5 mg. 3 x a day and Trihexaphenadryl 2 mg, twice a day) my Parkinson's finally reared its ugly head. My main symptom is my feet freeze horribly. My tremor is pretty well controlled and my stiffness is somewhat worse, but not enough that it matters.

I have two questions ...

Once I start on Levadopa (which, I believe is the next drug I'll be put on), how quickly does it work and how often does the dose need to be monitored and/or tweaked before I find the right combination? The reason I ask is because I want to visit my kids in Houston (I now live in Chicago) but I need to be in better physical shape first so I don't burden them.

My second question is if Medical Marijuana works and/or what symptoms does it help. Mainly, does it help with my feet sticking?

Thanks, in advance, for helping me.

[Jon M. Pirikal]

Hey Terri, I just joined and see that no one replied since you posted this. Did you find your own answers in the meantime?

Anyway, I'm sure you've figured this out already, but:
- as to your first question: of course you should consult your neurologist, but our first introduction to Sinemet was at the 25-100 (25mg carbidopa, 100 mg levodopa) dose. We were told to break that tablet in half (so 12.5mg, 25mg) and take one-half tablet once a day, then work up to three times a day over a period of one week.

However, we never did start the Sinemet, we just held on to the prescription for future use if needed. Instead we started the Hinz protocol. For more information, see the thread on this forum: "Hinz Protocol - Actual Experiences"

- as to your second question: search for Project CBD online, go to the parkinsons disease page, read the numerous studies posted there. Sorry, as a newbie I can't post any links yet.

peace
Jon