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Forwarded mwssage from [log in to unmask] ------------------------------------------------------------------ Dear list friends, While it will be another 10 days before we return to Jerusalem, some of you, no doubt, have been awaiting news of Aviva's bilateral pallidotomy performed the afternoon of last Wed., March 1st. I am pleased to say that it went well and that Aviva and I are now recuperating in the Canadian Gulf Islands. We are told that Aviva will be doing little more than eating and sleeping for the next while following her surgery, while she heals. While still on the operating table, Aviva, in response to Dr. Iacono's question, "How do you feel?," said she felt as though the disease had left her body. Exteriorly, although she has other neurological problems related to her Parkinson's stemming from cerebellar atrophy, Aviva has gained much mobility and feels she can definitely start driving her car again. With each day that passes, Aviva feels herself getting stronger and is discovering new degrees of freedom of movement that her pallidotomy now affords her. She realizes that it will take some time to abandon her self-image as a cripple and relearn normal muscular habits of walking and moving and regain the use of muscles that have been neglected through disuse. I think I should say a word about Dr. Iacono's team and about Loma Linda Medical Center in general. We were warmly welcomed upon arriving and received close and considerate attention throughout the process until the moment we left. Without asking, I was even provided with progress reports throughout operation which helped relieve the stress of waiting. During our stay, we found the hospital facilities to be nothing less than impeccable. Our physical and informational needs were met at every turn and, in most cases, were anticipated by the staff. We lodged across the way (about 100 yards) from the hospital entrance, at the Clark House, which cost us a mere $35 per day including a well-equipped kitchenette and all amenities. We found the cafeteria facilities excellent and found no need to leave the premises at any time. As promised, we were able to leave the hospital the morning following the operation. As many of you well know, Aviva and I ran a considerable gauntlet of opposition that stood between us and this near miraculous experience. We can now be added to the overwhelmingly positive side of the ledger made up of those who can report a spectacularly positive experience under Dr. Iacono's care. Aviva and I both feel we can now lend support to Dr. Iacono's mind-boggling assertion that, for many if not most Parkinsonians, it is no longer necessary to suffer from the symptoms of this cruelly debilitating disease. On behalf of Aviva and myself, thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Blessings to all, David S. Devor [log in to unmask] P.S. Persons interested in contacting Dr. Iacono should call Tony Schoonenberg at (909) 478-8649 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Uri *** My Karma Ran Over my Dogma ***