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In message <[log in to unmask]> Parkinson's Disease - Information Exchange Network writes: > Dear Bill, > This is a short dissertation on my experience with a Pallidotomy (PVP). > First I am 52 years old and wae diagnosed in early 1988. I was from the > first over medicated partly due to my ignorance and partly due to an > incompetent neuro. So from about the second year I was troubled with > dyskinesia. I finally got to where I was either off or dyskinetic. There was > little middle ground. I was to the point that I was going to go on > disability. But, thank God for Dr. Burchiel. I now have an excellent > neurologist, Dr. Sheila Sund. She referred me to the movement disorders > clinic at OHSU for evaluation. The Dr. there, Dr. Stephen Gancher, > agreed that I was a good candidate for a PVP. He referred me to see Dr. > Burchiel on July 18, 1995. This was the middle of May. I could hardly wait. > When the day finally came Dr. Burchiel discussed the procedure with me and > agreed that I was a good subject. The scheduled time was August 21, 1995. > I anticipated that date like a little kid anticipates Christmas. Time > wouldn't pass fast enough. > When the surgery date came I was first fitted with a steriotactic frame on > my head. It was fitted with an MRI localizer and sent to MRI. Then after > some waiting the surgery began (it was about 9:30 am). I felt just a little > pressure when the Dr. drilled the insertion holes, but no more that that. > During the procedure they kept asking me questions like what was my name, > where did I think that I was at, count to ten. Then when the first lesion > was placed the Dr., told me to raise my leg and to raise my hand and hold > them steady. I was able to do it with out any trouble. Then in less than 30 > minutes the other lesion was placed. The frame was removed and I was > wheeled back to my room. I slept soundly for about four hours. I had hardly > slept the night before. > After the PVP I have had no dyskinesia, my medication works for me > (5-25/100, 6- 25mg Permax per day) > I have full use of my hands and legs with very little. Stiffness. I just > feel like I've been given back my life. The one down side is that my speech > is affected to a small extent. I will take that. In the morning prior to > taking any meds I still shuffle when I walk. Would I recommend it. YES!, for > anyone as plagued with dyskinesia as I was. > This was some of my experience. > David Moreland > David L. Moreland Hi David I was interested to read your letter re pallidotomy.My wife, 75/10+ yrs of PD, has a severe gait problem and severe dyskinesia at times. I was struck by your comment that you used to be either off or dyskinetic. The line is so often a fine one. We are currently playing with the CABIDOPA dosage at the suggestion of Alan Bonander. We are still evaluating. I'm glad you're doing so well. Keep us posted. Bob Howard ([log in to unmask])