 |
 |
To JR Bruman - Story on melatonin Let me explain it again. Say I find that apples are a very effective in retarding cancer of the stomach. Two things are obvious, (1) if I tell the stomach cancer world to eat apples, they will benefit and (2) I will not collect a dime for my finding. You might say all I get is one "ata boy". So I take my finding to the FDA and tell them this should be a prescription drug for those with cancer of the stomach. The FDA agrees and apples are now declared a prescription drug. When the FDA did this, I became defacto controller of apple distribution. For every apple sold I now can collect a royalty. Thus the FDA by making apples a prescription drug gave me control of apple distribution and allowed me to do something to the costs such that I get a royalty on every apple sold. Obviously, when the FDA declares apples a prescription drug, apples will disappear from all stores because they are a controlled substance. This is what was being communicated with melatonin. I hope this helps a little. Barbara Patterson's Research Suggestions: There is much helpful information on this list server that would be classified as anecdotal. That is almost all the day to day real life experiences of living with PD are not important to the scientific community because they are anecdotal. It is interesting to note the number of papers that are published in respected scientific publications that have a sample size of one. These papers obviously do not make general conclusions about the population. These papers are reporting a scientific observation on what is an anecdotal case. I think there may be some of these on this list server. I would be an interesting research project looking for these hidden gems. TO: Rachel Balsam - pallidotomy There have been many second pallidotomy surgeries. Some were bilateral pallidotomies initially. When a second pallidotomy is performed on the other side, the recovery period is longer and it seems to be harder on the patient. You indicate that he is 76, having problem with walking, first pallidotomy did little for walking and he has had PD for 20 years. I read recently that men have more problems with legs as they age because they use their legs less than women. It went on to say that men tend to be "couch potatoes" compared to women, working on the chores around the house. This was for people aging without PD. If you add PD to those legs, men with PD are in for problems as they age. In talking with surgeons doing the pallidotomy, gait and balance are the most difficult to correct with this surgery. Leg problems can be caused by poor blood circulation and other problems. PD can also cause problems with legs over time. 20 years of PD will have taken some toll. When you talk to the surgeon about the pallidotomy, ask about the legs - gait and balance improvement. I would expect the surgeon to back off the surgery if this is the key objective. It may not be possible. Regards, Alan