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Dear Bob and Nancy Maritone, I want to thank you for your frank analysis of the pallidotomy after 8 months. The issues expressed are most interesting. The shift from Prozac to Serone implies a renewal of self image and self respect. The weight gain has been experienced by many. Your analysis is as good as any. One lady out here was consuming 5000 caleries a day just to keep what weight she had. After the surgery she did not change her eating habits and has gained significant weight. I could easily lose 26 lbs and feel much better. I saw the reversing of care giver vs patient in a man who had a fetal tissue transplantation. As he improved from a devastating PD situaton, his dreams started to show a probability of achievement. His wife on the other hand saw increased independance for her -- you might say a small form of rejection for her. This she took as meaning an increased opportunity to pursue her interests which she had deferred to be a care giver. This put horendous strain on their relationship. It was so much strain that she had to seek professional help. Both are now seeing professional help. Today I can report that he, the patient, has changed his dreams. He is now an active partner in his wife's Amway business. He has found a new set of friends outside of the PD community who give him emotional and physicial support he needs. I have a feeling they will both be able to achieve their dreams in the future. You mention new problems such as CTS. I have seen where neurologists have claimed many of these after-effects are a direct result of the surgery. I am on your side, I think these newly discovered problems were always there, we just did not notice them because they were small in comparison to PD issues. Having had PD for 20 years as Nancy has, some toll has been paid. Dyskinetic movement, freezing, akinesia are extreem points on the function curves. Running at extreem points will cause damage. The real test is how much damage exists. I don't think neurosurgeons, or neurologists can help much there either. They can be very helpful in treating us as though these were normal issues as with those not having had surgery. Nancy has been to Hell and back and you have been there with her. It is time you enjoy a little "heaven here on earth/" If you are a member of a chuch that sponsors the marrage emcounters program, it may be something to consider. It may just provide the right atmosphere you need to express the issues and feelings that this change has brought about. It may be a sad commentary on our time, but listening to the news and reading the newspapers all with such negative news, we are better programmed to manage negative results than possitive results. I think everyone on this list server would like to be in your place -- managing good results. I hope Nancy continues to impove and wish the best for both of you. Regards, Alan Bonander