To everyone....
I think it will be unfortunate if the issue of pallidotmy occasions some
bitter feelings on this very important network. I am not a Parkinsonian, but
my wife, Moira MacPherson, is. All Parkinsonians and their
families/caregivers have probably discussed the issue, namely, whether
health professionals, especially neurologists, really understand just how
strongly the person with the disorder feels, *and* understands his or her
disorder. Researchers and medical specialists tend, quite naturally and
quite properly, to focus on the scientific method and objectivity. We need
them to do this, of course, since that is how medical progress, cures and
the like, are achieved.
But what must also be recognized, I believe, is that Parkinsonians (and many
other people with similar disabling disorders) do know their illness as well
(and often better than) the experts. There are many examples of experts
discounting the so-called "subjective" evidence of the person with the disorder.
In closing, I want to quote from the beginning of Dr. Oliver Sacks latest
book, An Anthropologist on Mars, where he quotes a motto attributed to Sir
William Osler:
"Ask not what disease the person has, but rather what person the
disease has."
I think this subtle advice is worth reflection.
Regards to all.
Peter
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Peter J. Kidd
Learning Materials Consulting Services
Phone & Fax: (902) 443-4262
Email: [log in to unmask] & [log in to unmask]
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