 |
 |
It has been 6 months since I underwent the controversial "pig-cell" implant surgery for Parkinson's Disease. This anniversary was spent in Boston with the medical personnel involved in this research program. Essentially, the day was used to repeat all of the previous tests for motor skills, balance, walking, etc. All of the testing was done twice. The first battery was performed after I had been off my medications for over 12 hours. Then, they were all repeated after I had been given my medications and was supossedly in the "on" state. And here is some truly amazing news. Even WITHOUT medication for 15 hours, I was quite mobile and able to walk (rather well) from the parking lot to the doctor's offices; over 2 blocks away. I didn't even take my cane! Also, the staff was very pleased with the results of their examinations. Again, the word "amazed" must be used. They made note of such things as better walking, facial expression, voice, and the like. After completing their work, I was given my first dose of Sinemet. (That's the only drug I take, the others either not working and/or producing intolerable side-effects.) It took another pill before I switched "on." Even then, it was not a complete "on." But the tests were repeated anyway. In most of them there was additional improvement. However, by now fatique had set in. (As you know, a day of these rigorous tests is very tiring.) My own conclusion is that even when I'm "off" it is a much better "off" then before the operation. For example, I have been walking without my cane for more than 6 weeks. Included in that period was a 3 week vacation in Florida which involved a LOT of walking in the Disney parks. So, the medical people are all happy with my status at this point. The numbers "work." Now, here are some thoughts based on my self-evaluation. You'll pardon the fact that this is terribly unscientific. 1) Areas of improvement: Walking, dressing, driving, cutting food, facial expression, sleeping, response to medication, dyskinesia 2) Areas of little or no improvement: Handwriting (But it was poor even before PD) 3) Side-effects: Virtually NONE 4) Outlook: Those of you who have been following my reports on this operation have no doubt noticed my conservatism. I felt it inappropriate to give false hope to our fellow sufferers. Now, 6 months after the surgery, I feel there is some cause for quiet celebration. I am certainly in better condition since the operation; that's been properly documented. Just as important; I FEEL better, too. However, I do NOT feel as though I've been cured. There are still problems to deal with. In my case, fatique is at the top of the list. But, I see a glimmer of hope for the first time in the 17 years of dealing with Parkinson's. A final note. To those of you who missed my 2 previous reports on this procedure, feel free to directly E-Mail me for a copy. Do NOT post a request to the general list as there is a strong chance that I won't see it. Any comments, however, should be shared with all of us. If I can answer any questions, please write. As 1 of only 12 patients who are involved with this particular study, I consider it to be my duty to share my experiences with anyone with an interest in this horrible disease. Jim Finn <[log in to unmask]> 48 / 17