Hi Marty, I was diagnosed 3 years ago with PD. I've chosen to wait until the symptoms are affecting my quality of life before taking Caba-Leva type drugs. I currently take Azilect, which is said to slow the progression of PD and Requip for RLS. I've also been going to Rock Steady Boxing classes for the past 2 years which has also helped to slow the progression

Sorry you could not get the DatScan. I'm not sure I really benefited from it, since the results were "compatible" with Parkinson's but not definitive. I know I have Orthostatic Tremor for sure. I'm in limbo. I'll bite my tongue and stay away from any comments about insurance or health care.

Have you considered Cord Blood Stem Cell Therapy for your hip, instead of going the replacement route? This past Feb 14th, 2018 - I took the leap of faith and had both of my knees that had been bone on bone for past 20 years done..... along with my right shoulder. I was taking 2 tabs of Norco 7.5 mg, and 6 tabs of Aleve, just to barely make it through the day, and had been taking for over 10 years... One of the requirement of Stem Cell injections are to stop all pain meds & all over counter anti inflammatories... I did, and haven't looked back... Just passed the 6 month point, and have NO pain and can walk on it without problems.... My significant other, had both her shoulders done, went from pain all the time to gaining significant range of motion, and before had trouble lifting a cup of coffee, to having no problem now to work in her garden & sewing quilts.... I'm a believer in this Regenerative technology

Like yourself, it seemed like it took way too long to get the DatScan that would indicate dopamine dysfunction. I'm kind of angry about the delay in diagnosis. I'm over that now and will rely on advances in treatment to make this journey more tolerable.

Very useful information Alan. Thank you.