Re: Bruce, saw the neurologist today.

[Guest guest]

Steve

Glad you saw the neurologist. Parkinsons is a difficult diagnosis as its

just by experience and process of elimination. I know there was a brief

concern on me, but turned out it was the requip giving me symptoms

rather than helping. Was trying it for restless limps. Increased it and

symptoms worsened so then got off it. But glad to hear you got a good

diagnosis and not as bad as thought. So, at your rate, I'm predicting if

you're around then that at 100 your thinking won't be so good....lol. We

all lose different skills at different times and who knows what is

normal. My kidneys weren't normal for 47 and aren't for 58 but

nephrologist says stable and no concern. So, just keep periodically

following up.

Now, as to the trip. I'm assuming your sats are still ok without oxygen?

If so, I'd do it, personally. Sounds to me like it would be something

really nice and special for you and you deserve that. I can give you a

million things that can go wrong and reasons not to make it but they all

mean nothing. Yes, things can happen, wherever you are. Have a plan if

you need it to quickly get back to nearest US hospital where your

insurance is good. Otherwise, enjoy. I believe life at this point for

all of us is taking reasonable risks to enjoy it. Do smart things,

recognize your limits. Don't rush and just take your time and do things

leisurely. Take your medical records with you. But I believe in quality

and living as fully as we can. With our disease we want to get things in

as soon as possible. We always should have been that smart. After

probate and everything you'll need it more. You're smart enough to know

what you can and can't do and to know when to slow down, when to get

help. Sounds to me like that three months could be great. Tempted to

meet you there...well, maybe not...lol. The one thing I would do is if

three months turns into too much, then come back home earlier. You can

return there again sometime. When I took my longest trip, I knew when

the time was that I just wanted to be home. But, I sure enjoyed it and

am so glad I did it.

Oh, but one essential thing. Whether you're there for three weeks or

three months you better stay in touch with us. Thats the rule.

Now, as to the CPAP and lack of oxygen when sleeping. Get an overnight

oximeter test prescribed by your pulmonologist. Its very easy. CPAP is

appropriate if you have Apnea. Oxygen without CPAP is appropriate if

your oxygen levels are dropping too much. CPAP and Oxygen are

appropriate if both Apnea and oxygen levels. Now often CPAP will help

oxygen by itself through just the flow, so you might get your oxygen

checked and then get it done again on CPAP. The advantage to you right

now with CPAP versus oxygen is easier to spend the time in Mexico. So,

get oxygen checked before and then after or sleep study or whatever

needed. Not only does lack of oxygen impact thinking but just the lack

of quality sleep will. When you address any overnight problems you might

be amazed how much clearer your thinking is. Whatever the solution you

need checking with no oxygen or CPAP and then with one or both.