My husband, age 60, was recently diagnosed with Shy-Drager. A bit over 5 years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Two years later, his doctor said he had an unusual form of Parkinson's, a fast acting Parkinson's. After blacking out, and being taken off all of his parkinson's medications, with the exception of Siminet, and the addition of midodrine, his doctor conceded that he indeed has SDS or MSA.

My question is regarding his life expectancy. Research indicates 7-10 years after being diagnosed. What date do we start with - the original dianosis, or the SDS diagnosis. He is under the impression he only has 2 years to live. We would like to know approximately, so that we can plan the rest of our lives. Unfortunately 7 years and 2 years is quite a difference.

Anyone willing to take a stab at an approximate guesstimate?