Hello!
My name is Jennifer. My father, now age 51, was diagnosed with
Parkinson's disease about 10 years ago. Needless to say it was a
shock to our family. He seemed too young.
Last year my father's medications began to be less effective and he
decided that he would have to start contemplating retirement. He works
in a professional office, Monday through Friday, 9-5. He talked to his
neurologist about his situation and she suggested that he consider
having a Pallidotomy. Up to this time, although my mother encouraged
it, Dad was dead set against anyone opening up his brain unless it was
a matter of life or death.
He took home a videotape of the operation. After my mom and dad
watched the tape, they decided that maybe the neurologist was right.
They talked more about it with the doctor and decided to apply for the
surgery. The doctor gave them a few names of reputable doctors that
currently performed the operation. They decided upon Dr. Leitner
(sorry if misspelled) in Sweden. My dad had the operation last
November, 1995. He had the operation on one side of his head. He may
go back in a year for the other side. The whole experience was very
good.
Since he has been back home he has progressively felt good results
from the operation. His medication has been cut back because some of
his symptoms have lessened, and he is in good spirits. He continues
to work at his job and is active in other ways. He tries to walk
daily, mows the lawn in the summer, shovels snow in the winter, etc.
I was very excited to find this list the other day. I have been
looking for a list on Parkinson's for a long time. I hope some of the
information above helps some that are going to have the Pallidotomy.
Talk to you all later,
Jennifer (from Northern Virginia)
PS. I just read a note on the list about melatonin being used to help
sleeplessness in PD patients. My father's neurologist recommended against
using it until there were more studies done on it. Has anyone heard the
same, or are any PD patients out there currently using it?
