I am aged 66 and suffer from Parkinsons Disease, Heart Failure and Diabetes. I take 24 tablets a day including vital Levadopa to control my Parkinsons.
I have just been diagnosed with a Carcinoid Tumour and an 'area of concern' in my liver and was asked complete a 24 hour urine test for the Multi Disiplinary Team this week so that they can plan my treatment. Imagine my dilemma when I found that I must avoid Levadopa for 72 hours. This is not possible, dangerous and can be life threatening for a Parkinsons patient. At home that evening, with no one to ask at short notice I did the only safe thing and did the test but still took the medication. I attached a note to the HUGE sample bottle explaining the situation. I have since found out after a lengthy search of the web, that allowance can be made in these circumstances when interpreting the test results. I had made the right call thank goodness.
I have an excellent Parkinsons Nurse Specialist who has already advised that, in the event of surgery, I will be able to take my medication right up to the op and immediately afterwards. It's just another worry in an already stressful situation. Failure to take my Levadopa can be as dangerous as my recent diagnosis.
If there is anyone else in a similar situation who reads this, it may be of some comfort to know, that it is always possible to find a way round these 'rock and hard place' situations.
