 |
 |
I have been following the pallidotomy debates on this list with great interest, and last night my mother, who has had PD for 6 years, called me to ask my opinion on it (the recent TV coverage alerted her to the possibility that this is something real and not just another dry hope). I am anxious to help her pursue the pallidotomy option, but am unsure where to refer her (her neurologist may be helpful, or not, we will see). First, it seems that the experience of the surgeon in this operation is crucial. I noted that the Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia is "starting" to perform these operations, but I would greatly prefer that we approach someone with as much experience as possible. Is there someone in the New Jersey area (New York or Philadelphia, perhaps) we could turn to? Someone like Cosgrave at Mass General, who has done many? (Where IS Loma Linda, anyway?) Secondly, I remain unclear as to the eligibility of older people with PD who are having cognitive problems, perhaps but not surely from the Sinamet. My mom is 73, and I posted a message earlier about all her troubles (hallucinations, memory loss, confusion). These are erratic, however; she has her clear days. Are surgeons more likely to reject such candidates? Perhaps this is unanswerable in this list. I also have a feeling there will be flood of requests for this operation once it has hit all the major networks, and a proliferation of doctors performing it. Trying not to get worried about "beating the crush"... Rejoicing for Aviva's success, and the very warmest wishes for her continued recovery and new freedom. And deepest gratitude for the inspiration and invaluable information (the now-famous telephone survey from Israel), which has helped bring word of this new hope to so many ... and apparently launched a nationwide media blitz!! Virginia Tilley [log in to unmask]