question about symptoms?

Diseases & Conditions Parkinson's Disease
1
 My Mom saw the neurologist again yesterday and he wants to increase her requip a little bit more and see how she does.  All her symptoms are there but don't seem quit as intense.  I am wondering...........Do the medicatons ever end up taking all of the symptoms away?  I know you have to try different dosages or add different meds.  but does it ever make you go back to feeling normal?  I know everyone is different and I guess I am just trying to prepare myself for the future and what to expect.  I was hoping you guys could just give me some insight on the truth and what the future might hold.  I am well aware that everyone's case is different, I am just worried and not really sure what to expect?
I also have one more question.............After she adjusts to the medication, is it safe for her to drive?  Her reactions seem so slow and it kinda scares me too think of her driving.  But I also don't want to be this over protective daughter that is taking her independence away when it would be prefectly fine for her to drive.  What are all of your thoughts/expericences and feelings on this subject?
I really appreciate you all taking the time to read this and help me gain some perspective.  I feel a little lost and overwhelmed right now and I just want to do what is best for my Mom and I want her to be able to live a productive and independent life.  I am still trying to figure out my role in all of this.  Thank you to everyone that is willing to share with me and respond back, it is very much appreciated.
Kristine
2
Kristine,

To answer your first question .No the meds don"t completely take away the symptoms.As far as driving goes be carefull as your mother hasn"t yet gotten use to requip which does cause drowsiness.I wouldnt drive for a while after a dose to see how she reacts.Discuss this with neurologist.I'm on mirapex a similar drug and still able to drive.This is a long story,and Im headed up north for wkend so will talk again when i get back mon.Wish you and mom well.See if you can get mom on puter. Ed.

Ed

3
Kristine,
I have taken Requip for 4 years, although I'm still on a low dosage - 5 mg/day. Medications may never completely take the symptoms away. There also is a balancing act between the benefits of the meds and the side effects. I  prefer to keep my meds low and deal with some symptoms in order to minimize the side effects plus to prolong the longevity and effectiveness of the meds. (Some meds lose their effectiveness over time.)
 
As for driving ... that would depend on her symptoms and the side effects of the meds. A common side effect of Requip, and one I experience, is drowsiness. If I know I'm going to be doing a lot of driving - like on a lengthy trip - I time my meds around my driving so I don't experience the drowsiness. It does, however, mean my symptoms are more apparent. It's a trade-off. I'd definitely see how she reacts to the Requip. My drowsy time occurs about 20-30 minutes after taking Requip and lasts 20-30 minutes. If I'm up and active, I don't get the yawns. If I'm sitting still or driving, I usually do.

Requip is not the only PD med that causes drowsiness. You have to weigh the benefits and side effects of any med. Hopefully your Mom will tolerate Requip or can find another dopamine agonist, such as Mirapex, that works for her.
 
Best of luck!
lizzy4451

Life is a dance. Don't sit it out. --- H. Jackson Brown

4
Dear Angel,
Your mom is so blessed that she has you to care for her and to care about her.    I have four children and a very wonderful husband that totally supports me.   Thank GOD.    I do think that this is very important.    I took requip for several months but my nurologist just changed my meds to sinemet since I got so tired all the time with requip.    It would make me so sleepy I would doze off if I sat down for a little while.    I am now taking sinemet three times  a day, a very small amount at that, but so far no sleepyness.  I still don't like to take a chance on driving, especially with my grandkids in the car.    My husband drives us all the time.   I think you should ask her how she feels about it and then take action.    Maybe she can drive without any problem.....
Maybe she is wantiing someone to ask.???????????
I do know that it is a form of independance to drive whenever you need to, but sometimes we need to be driven.     I am so thankful that my husband drives me.....................................I also have a problem with balance.    I'm fine if I"m sitting, but not if I'm standing or wallking.    This is one reason I don't like to go anyplace without my husband.
God bless you and your mom.    She will always be in my prayers.
Margaret