new to group

[Guest guest]

Hello, I'm Cindy B. Have been reading along for several weeks, feel as though I know some of you. Was referred by Vanderbilt

Univ. to the group site for exchange of info. Am researching treatment to slow symptoms for my dad, age 72. We are only a little

over a year into having a diagnosis, first Parkinson's, now MSA. How can they be sure??? My mom is making adjustment from

partner to caregiver, and he gave up driving a year ago. Walks with cane, falls all the time. Speech is getting bad, is incontinent from prostate surgery 2 years ago that never healed, and has sleep apnea/cpap. Over a year ago he was still in suit and tie, still

going into the office. Does it always progress that quickly? My younger brother was diagnosed with cancer just before dad's

diagnosis, (he is happily now in remission), and the stress seemed to accelerate dad's symtoms.

My big concern is his medication, as general info reveals he has been prescribed an "older generation" drug, ARTANE. Also takes Mirapex. As he is not responding physically, and is declining, I am wondering if there are better, newer drugs that slow or improve the symptoms. Generally, what works???? (We are past denial, but still in phase of hope that something can help him have some quality of life for a while). Also, do any of you have experience with Baylor Univ. hospital in Texas? My internet research shows they appear to be on frontier of research for MSA, a phone call to them was optimistic, and they said "get a referral and come on down" for an evaluation. We are attempting to have his neuro in Pittsburgh do a phone consult on meds first. My mom would like a second opinion of his condition and treatment. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated.