Have Questions about Duopa

[Lmahaffey]

My brother was diagnosed w/PD about 9 years ago. Last week he had the surgical procedure to insert the tube for Duopa. Yesterday they programmed it to start pumping his C/L. It think it might have been his worst day since being diagnosed. He tremored almost the entire day. He did the extra dose every 2 hrs with no change in the tremors. He was freezing (not cold freezing, but unable to move freezing), which is something he normally doesn't have a problem with. His swallowing was affected. Literally, he could barely function. The doctor says "it's a process." Now...my question. Can anyone with Duopa tell me about their first experience and how long it took before the dose was regulated properly. I don't think my brother will tolerate a "process" that feels like torture in order to get the dose right. Thanks in advance.

[park_bear]

That sounds like he is not getting any medication at all. Ordinarily it would not be a question but in this case I have to wonder if the pump was loaded with active ingredient and if the pump is working properly.

How much levodopa had he been taking orally?

[Lmahaffey in reply to park_bear]

He has been taking C/L 25/100 every 1.5 hrs and his symptoms have been controlled.

[luba1]

Hi, My surgical procedure was done in April, and I still struggling with the dose! I feel much better with pump, but my biggest problem is leg dystonia.It is something wrong if your brother had to have more then 5 extra doses.

Drugs.com

[Lmahaffey in reply to luba1]

Thank you for your reply. We can't get back in to see the doctor until next Tuesday.

[luba1]

Drugs.com explain how to calculate the dose, but it should be done by professional!