Question re neurologist visit

August 21, 2011

Hi all.

Dad had his angioplasty/heart stenting done this week and so far we've

seen a good improvement. Not great because, let's face it, he still has

very little functioning in the way of coronary arteries but one is now

unblocked and stented so he seems to have a little more energy and isn't

sleeping about 20 hours a day. We're pleased so far. I took everyone's

advice and made up bright yellow handouts for the hospital staff. They

only took one but they did keep it with his notes so that was something.

He ripped his cannula out twice (I would say very typical LBD behaviour)

and thought that was quite funny! Anyway, onwards and upwards.

My question now is, the neurologist who diagnosed Dad's LBD earlier this

year (Dr Simon at RPA Hospital in Sydney) is seeing Dad in a

couple of weeks for the first time since Dad's diagnosis. Dr

actually specialises in Parkinson's which is why we went to see him in

the first place but obviously recognised LBD when he saw it. I'm

wondering if anyone can suggest anything for me to ask when we see him

this time? Sydney is over two hours' drive away and I have no idea how

long it will be till we see Dr again and I don't want to miss the

opportunity to ask what I need to ask, particularly in relation to

medication. At the moment, the only difference to Dad's meds from when

he was diagnosed is that one of the PD drugs was reduced and then ceased

and his other PD drug has been reduced but he is still on a lower dose

which has resulted in Dad's tremors increasing a little. Dr

mentioned last time that Dad may be able to try a drug used to treat

Alzheimer's. I have no idea yet what that drug is. Has anyone heard of

such a thing and/or had any experience with it?

Thanks all. I'm so glad to be here.

Tania...

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