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Great bit on the pallidotomy this evening. Took me back two years when I had mine. I made a list of my PD problems before the procedure and just retrieved it from the computer. I had forgotten how stiff I was as the stiffness hasn't come back. Falling down and banging into things was another listed problem that is still gone - thank goodness. Tremor of left hand and leg hasn't returned. I still have difficulty brushing teeth (so got an electric toothbrush), fixing a hair-do (so keep hair short), cutting up tough meat (husband does it for me). The tremor in my lower lip is still there. But considering all the good stuff that still remains I think my right pallidotomoy was successful. Pallidotomy is not a cure and we know that, but it sure helps. I am looking forward to a left pallidotomy next as PD progresses and now I have a pretty heavy tremor in my right side. It is good to be cautious but believe us when we say pallidotomy can be a real relief - and we hope for a long time. I only had one side done and I still feel lots better than before and its been almost two years. I can see where a bilateral pallidotomy would make things even better. Keep in mind that the procedure has been refined and improved since people like Margaret Bourke-White had her second one in l961 (it was considered successful). It has improved since I had mine. When I had mine there was an 8% chance for scotoma (blind spot) and a 0.5% risk of death. I haven't heard of any scotomas or deaths recently. All this recent publicity should help our cause. Maybe more research money to find a better treatment, or, dare I say it - a cure? Let's keep up the momentum. Barbara Yacos