Sinemet 123
I am now taking 3 Sinemet pills a day. In the morning before I get out of bed, I feel fine and don't know why I am taking this pill. Then I take it and tend to feel queasy. A weird/fun fact: Sinemet is based on the Latin words for “without vomit.” Yeah!
Originally the miracle drug was Levodopa. *“People with Parkinson's don't have enough dopamine... But dopamine given by mouth can't cross the blood brain barrier.... Dopamine needs to get to the brain to be helpful in treating Parkinson's... Levodopa is a natural precursor to dopamine and can cross the blood-brain barrier, where it turns into dopamine.” *
“At first large doses were given because some of the
levodopa turned into dopamine before it reached the brain. This made users
nauseous and caused vomiting. Enter
carbidopa.... It limits side effects.” * Hence Sinemet “without vomit” has a
mixture of carbidopa and levodopa.
(This is not always true, today, for the first time, was a
2-time vomit day. Uck!)
So sinemet, can still give you some trouble. The morning one seems to because my stomach has been empty all night. I have read somewhere that you can take it with a little apple sauce. But no protein for sure or it won't work well.
Any suggestions on what you do to keep your stomach from feeling icky when taking Sinemet? Keeping in mind I am not supposed to eat for an hour beforehand and a half hour after.
I am going to write to my neurologist and ask for her advice. And I'll also ask the great crew at our Dancing with Parkinson's class.
I am feeling loggy today so that is about all for the moment.
(This feels kind of weird to be such a negative post after
my positive Holiday post. But that seems
to be the way it goes, neither is untrue and I do so hate to vomit!)
* from the Mayo Clinic Parkinson's Health Letter
Dearest Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your discomfort! I wanted to include an image of one of my cards, but I can't figure out how to do it. I may have sent it to you before, anyway. It says,"LIFE IS TOUGH, MY DARLING. BUT SO ARE YOU" (Stephanie Bennett Henry). Side note: I got the image for the card from an Arts Council Jumble!
Lately, my inner child has been throwing fits about having to deal with my physical body. Things are supposed to be easy aren't they? Apparently not always. I find it helpful to journal and to let myself express myself (i.e. tantrum). Relieves a lot of pressure. Somehow I don't see you as the tantrum type, though!
I so appreciate your honesty and your sharing about your journey. It reminds me that we are all in this together -- "this" being learning to cope with being human in such a challenging physical reality. I hope you are able to immerse yourself in things you love to do, and that you have several good books on your nightstand awaiting your attention, and several enthralling DVDs. Which reminds me, how is the sleep going? The only additional thing I've been able to think of related to sleep disturbance is hormonal imbalance, that is, estrogen deficiency. I'm sure the last thing you want is to explore more medical realms, which is why I didn't mention it earlier. If you have any interest in exploring hormonal stuff, just let me know and I will share what I know with you.
I will hold your sweet image in my meditation today. Much love. Amy
Thank you Amy. thank you for your comments. I had a brilliant time yesterday, trying to juggle one ball! It made me laugh.
DeleteSleep, is up and down-literally. but not horrible at the moment. i find myself asking everyone as my first question these days "How did you sleep?" As if that is the most important marker for how their day will go. But the funny part is that it isn't. The day can still be marvelous with little sleep. Or not so marvelous with a good nights rest.
I too find journalling a very good helper on the journey.
Love,
Nancy