Medications

This is a whole new world with a steep learning curve.  This is not as simple as learning about aspirin or panadol and what they do.

While it is not strictly necessary to learn about the medications involved in managing Parkinson's symptoms, it does help to have an understanding of the medications regime.

And gaining that understanding is not a simple task.

Not only do you have to learn a whole new set of medication names and what they do but also what type of medication they are. 

The compendium under the menu item Parkinson's Information has detailed sections on medications, and the table below gives some indication of the array of new terms to learn and understand.

Then there is the aspect of managing these medications which often have to be taken several times a day.  Ann's Parkinson's medications have to be taken 6 times a day.

And there are the medications Ann has to take to manage the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's.  It means that pill type medications are taken 8 times a day and non-pill type ie liquids are taken normally twice a day.

You definitely need a good collection of pill containers. 

Here is a selection of the ones we have finally settled on.  The main 7-day pill cases are filled once a month.  That means there are 8 of them - a day and night set for each week for weeks 1 through 4.

Ann also uses an Apomorphine Pen which delivers Apomorphine via direct injection to the body.  The pen is similar to the ones used by diabetics to deliver insulin. 

In addition to the pills and liquids and injections, Ann also has to apply a patch daily to administer slow-release Parkinson's medication.

A daunting regime that must be followed religiously.