Hello all. I am new to this group today. I suppose what I am
looking for is support and information. I will try to be as concise
as I can. My father-in-law was diagnosed with PD in 1995. He had
back surgery last year around Thanksgiving and his meds were changed
because of water retention from eldypryl and mirapex to sinement
(sp). With in 2 weeks of the change, his posture completly doubled
over so if you see him standing he is almost at a 45 degree angle.
He also experienced debilitating cramps down his calves and in his
hips and lost considerable mobility. I have researched this and it
seems to be dystonia. We saw almost no PD symptoms while he was
medicated before the med change and I understand sinement can do
this. Of course the doctors have no answers. We are managing his
cramps with stalevo and requip but he currently has severe pain in
his hips. He moved in with us 2 months ago and we are all doing
fine, but I am finding it difficult not to treat him like a child,
something I said I would never do. I have been his primary caregiver
and find there is no time for anything else. Has anyone else had any
of these problems? He has also been diagnosed with Prostate cancer
which is contained and being managed with hormone therapy. He
doesn't like the pain meds that make him feel "dopey", but tylenol
doesn't manage the pain very well. Any info or suggestions would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks for being here,

JoyS