New to this site, July 18th 2014

[Suckerbeagle]

Hoping to not feel so alone. Moved from Boston to New Mexico and had an awful time finding the right doctor. I have never lived near a support group so I hope this will be my new WED home. Cheers to all.

[Polar Bear]

Welcome
Few of us are near to a support group. My hello is coming from the UK.
How are you managing your symptoms and have you now found a good doctor, we hope so.

[Suckerbeagle]

Thankfully I did find an excellent neurologist in Santa Fe, an hour away but worth it. I am on gabapentin, clonazapam at night, but hydrocodone is what is saving my life. It works and it works fast. I tolerate it very well. I feel so very fortunate for myself when I read about the horrible sufferings of others. Unfortunately, very grief stricken over loss of my daughter's love because her new husband does not tolerate people who take these kinds of drugs. My father, before he died—and he knew because he had a mild case himself—made me promise that I would go on and live a good life not matter what. I will keep that promise to him.

[Polar Bear]

Get your chin up.. and go forward to live and enjoy that good life, which would not have been possible without your medications.
Perhaps your daughter will eventually see the situation through her own eyes.

But it goes to show that when we try to be open about this condition, be very careful who you tell about any particular medication. It is easy for someone to get swept up in a very general way on the assumptions of folks who do not understand and just see drug chasers and addicts.

[ViewsAskew]

I know that this is my support group. There isn't one around me, but even if there were, I don't think I'd leave here. Many of the people here are my friends, even though I've never met them in person. I hope one day in the future to have enough money to meet a few of them.

I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

[SunnyCat]

I have had RSL for 20 years or so and have tried all the meds and iron infusions--to no avail. I have a great neurologist and family doctor. My doctor allows me to take Vicodin and Oxicontin when needed and my neurologist started me on NeuPro patches----they work!!! However, they will cost about $230.00 for 28 patches! I just don't know if we can afford this! Has anyone tried these new patches? It's a miracle that they work---but-----
I'm glad to find this group as there is no support group where I live.

[Rustsmith]

SunnyCat, I also started with Neupro early in June and am doing much better since the medication level doesn't peak and dip so much during the day. For the cost have you checked out the manufacturer's savings program? It does not apply to everyone and my mail order pharmacy would not accept it, but they help reduce the cost for the first year of use. To find out more and maybe get one of their savings cards, check this site:
http://www.neupro.com/parkinsons-disease/neupro-savings.aspx

The card reduced my insurance co-pay to a quarter of what I would have paid otherwise.

[Polar Bear]

Sunnycat - delighted to hear that the Neupro patches are working for you,
I hope Rustsmith's link will provide useful information regarding the cost.

It's wonderful that you have an understanding and cooperative doctor.

[ViewsAskew]

I have had RSL for 20 years or so and have tried all the meds and iron infusions--to no avail. I have a great neurologist and family doctor. My doctor allows me to take Vicodin and Oxicontin when needed and my neurologist started me on NeuPro patches----they work!!! However, they will cost about $230.00 for 28 patches! I just don't know if we can afford this! Has anyone tried these new patches? It's a miracle that they work---but-----
I'm glad to find this group as there is no support group where I live.

They didn't work for me, unfortunately, but that was because they caused augmentation. I hope they work out well for you for a long time.

The cost is tremendous, isn't it? I hope you can qualify for the program Rustsmith mentioned.

[SunnyCat]

Rustsmith---Thanks for the info re reduction in cost for NeuPro. They said I earned too much to qualify because I have good insurance. Oh Well----I tried