Hi, I've just been diagnosed with pd, I'm so devestated and bewildered. I have been given the option of two medications : Rasagiline -MAOB or else Ropinirole - Agonist. I'm 56 but am very healthy and athletic, and have developed a tremmor in my left hand. My initial thoughts are to preserve my quality of life and take the medication even if it puts me in an early grave, rather than opt for longevity with lesser quality of life. I guess my pride is showing up. I just feel so crushed at the moment. Bye, Francois.

Hello Francois & welcome,
I can understand your devastation .i am about your age , dx 3 years ago..
Taking pd medication will not lead you to an early grave. It can however take some time to find the right mix and dosage of medication that will suit you. And of course , this will change as your condition changes. Try not to panic. Many people lead active , fullfilling lives with , not despite pd.
I cannot presume to advise you as to whether or not to take medication or which of the ones offered to you would be best. I can only suggest that you take your time, do some research, ask Q's and then make your own informed decision

I wish you all the best

AB

Hello Francois

Try not to make any panic decisions. Depending how much your tremor bothers you, there is no need to start medication immediately on diagnosis. When you do decide to start you may find the meds you first choose don't work well and you have to think again. You will be given a very low dose to start with and a gradual build up to find a level that suits you.

Best of luck and keep posting, there are always people here.

rasagiline (azilect) reduces the metabolising of dopamine so there is more of your own dopamine left.
ropinerole (requip) is a dopamine agonist - a chemical that partially stands in for dopamine.
both have side effects, on the whole ropinerole being potentially more serious (gambling, sex obsession etc).
on the whole ropinerole is more effective, but that varies from person to person
it is posible that you will end up with both but it is usual to try one at a time to check for side-effects and to see if it works.
there is info on these on this site
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/advice/publications/treatments_and_therapies/drug_treatments_of_parkinsons.aspx

Thank you Annabernadette, Mosie and Turnip for you kind support and information, it's greatly appreciated. :) Francois

My husband has been digonosed for a year. he refuses to take any medication as was told it would only help his tremor. His personality has changed he is in his own world and wont discuss anything. he has lost any feelings for me and daughter and seems angry all the time. My daughter cant wait to move out and i cant see any future of happy times. We have been together for 30 years and he has completly changed towards me

Hi Francois

Chin up Matey. When first told you have pd its a real kick under the belt. I think we can all say that we have been there and have the T Shirt. As time goes by there will be light at the end of the tunnel as they find a right med for you
Donexpect to gdet it correct first time - it takes a while and what suits one will not suit you. My pd staff have told me there is no cure for the tremors, but med can help it a little. One thing that will not change though is the friends and help you will find on the forum
Keep smiling
Chunky

Hi to both of you new to forum I have been dx for 4 yrs and I too refused to take meds for 2 yrs and now take ropinerol my life is still v active I work full time and whilst I fully appreciate the shock (it takes time to pass) we ultimately don't know how strong we can be till we have to be! keep strong and happy!

Hi Chunky, Thanks for your encouragement and advice, they're greatly appreciated. I have seen a very big diffrence in my hand termour based on my stress level. I'm trying to gauge how much time I have left in terms of mobility and work. I'm very fit at present, and am self employed. I guess it differs greatly from person to person. Bye for now, Francois

Hi Francois,

As you have already seen there's nearly always someone just waiting to help you here with queries regarding the PD or work or whatever. Please don't overlook the PD UK helpline. Its free and brilliant. They will help you talk over your options. I've hardly come across anyone for whom the PD dx does not come as a shock unless they are one of the unlucky ones who have had to wait years before the eventual dx of PD has been arrived at in which case they are sometimes relieved to be able to put a name to what has been ailing them.

Best Wishes