 |
 |
Group - Several of you have written to request an update on how I am feeling. As most of you know, I had the "pig-cell" implant surgery in September of '96. (For new group members who are not familiar with it, please see the note at the end of this posting.) And, as you know, I have maintained an account of my experiences with this highly-experimental xenotransplantation. The results have been posted to this ListServe every 90 days, immediately following the quarterly evaluations in Boston. Each exam has shown improvement over the 1 before it. All of the motor-skill testing (those timed checks on walking, finger-tapping, hand up/palm up, etc.) indicate on-going enhancement. The same is true for the ones that are not timed, such as balance, rising from a chair, handwriting, and the like. In spite of such obviously good news, however, I continued to have some pretty rough days. There were some good days, too. But about 1 in every 3 or 4 would take "the wind out of my sails," as they say. This is not surprising; I've never lost sight of the fact that after 16 years of PD I was considered an "end-case." To have arrived at this point was rather remarkable. Over the last 3 weeks, however, there have been what I consider to be rather significant changes. I have NOT had a single bad day! It's as if the whole curve has shifted upwards. Now I'm having pretty good (no, not perfect) days and better (again, not perfect) days. The dynamics are changing. I do not know if this will be reflected in the next battery of testing. That will take place in 2 weeks. Additionally, there is the possibility that this whole thing could be an anomaly; with a big "crash" just over the horizon. The thought of it is very frightening. Finally, we must remember that "feeling better" is a highly subjective term. It is a concept that is difficult, at best, to measure scientifically. So that's the latest. I'll post another report after the next round of examinations. Jim Finn Note: As always, to those of you who have not seen my diary, you may request a copy by E-Mail. Write directly to me; not to the ListServe.