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Thanks, Charlie, for a wonderfully lucid explanation of what is happening with MJF. My own husband was diagnosed only two years ago, but went on medical leave in July. It is possible, in fact, probable that he had PD for a much longer time, but that it went undiagnosed for years. Medications (and he's tried almost all of them) have not been very effective and his doctor, a well known movement disorders specialist, is talking to him about deep brain stimulation. No one symptom is all THAT BAD, but together (cumulatively) they and the side effects of the medications (that don't work all that well anyway) impair him to the degree that he cannot work because he cannot stay awake, concentrate, maintain his balance, be heard, etc. It's like he's got all the parts that should allow him to function but can't put them together. On any scale, he would probably come out as late mild, but late mild in his case is too much or too little to allow him to function in the business world. In the beginning, he tried desperately to hide his situation. He would even stick the point of an open pocket knife into his hand in an effort to cause enough pain to stay awake during meetings. My guess is that many on this list could identify with this. We want to see more of a track record with the sub-thalmic (Did I spell thalmic right? Doesn't look right.) deep brain stimulator, but it's not out of the question. If meds aren't doing it or are causing such side effects, then it may be something we really consider down the road here. I'm impressed by what Michael's op did for him from what I can see on Spin City, etc., and commend him for taking the chance. Whatever, he did what he felt he had to do, just as we do. We have no way of knowing how MJF is really doing, bless his heart. He has an image to preserve just as so many folks do who get this damnable disease during their working years. I'm happy for him that he has achieved as much as he has. Imagine what he's been working against. He happens to work in an industry that takes a lot of talent to really make it, but one that rewards people who do quite handsomely. He is fortunate to have made it early. He will need it. I'm glad that he will not have to suffer the plight of so many other young onset PWP. That one person should be separated from her children or have to accept a drunken caregiver for $9.00 a night is disgusting! In my life, I've never known a collection of brighter people than those on this list! Surely, we shall discover a way to get across the idea that PD is a serious debilitating illness w/o taking away hope from those who need it, who are new to this whole business, or old to it either! I've been ill and have missed this group! Affectionately, Barb Brock 54 cg Art 57 (2yrs)