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Carol.... I had a unilateral (one-side only) pallidotomy for my right side in Oct., 1994. Prior to the surgery I'd been stiff as the proverbial board, was having some freezing, and where it used to take me a leisurely 1 1/2 hours to shower, blow-dry my hair, and get dressed to go out, by the time I made up my mind to have the pallidotomy, even cutting corners in preparing to go out was taking me at LEAST 4 1/2 hours. I literally forced myself to get out socially at least once a week - but it wasn't easy. Since the surgery, I've had complete return of movement on my right side, which has remained absolutely the same since the surgery - it hasn't got worse again, and it CAN'T get any better (it's that good!). That said, the surgery didn't stop the PD from eventually starting on my left side, and internally as well. However, progression is rather slow, and like so many other Parkies, I've come to recognize the devil when I see 'em and I've become pretty darn wily in pitting myself against 'em. I think today, no matter HOW rotten I may feel (and I don't always feel THAT bad), all I hafta do is look back at myself BEFORE I had the pallidotomy, and NOTHING PD-related since then has EVER been as bad. When it comes to whether one has a Pallidotomy or brain-stim, this is something I've thought a lot about in regards to myself. One MUST trust the advice of their neurosurgeon, yet think, for themselves. Also, it's important to learn as much as possible about BOTH types of surgery. Talking with folks who've had either one or the other surgery is invaluable 'cause THEY are living the actual experience. THEN it's up to you and your surgeon.... ! Best of luck to you, m'dear, and I hope to see ya posting here SOON saying "WOWIE! I had a ________ (enter type of surgery) and feel GREAT!" Barb Mallut [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: winnie carol gray <[log in to unmask]> To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <[log in to unmask]> Date: Monday, January 18, 1999 10:34 PM Subject: Second thoughts regarding pallidotomy >Well folks, > >After having PD for 21 years and refusing to even >consider a pallidotomy, I am now beginning to believe >that this procedure is the only thing that could improve my quality of >life. I lost my caregiver three months ago and >I would like to once again feel a little more independent. >My disease has gone downhill during the last couple of >years with dyskinesias, slowness of movement and freezing. >Back surgery three times during the last year with all the >anesthetic, pain medication hasnt helped either. Brain >stimulation has also been mentioned to me also. Also, >will Medicare pay for these procedures? PLEASE GIVE ME >YOUR FEEDBACK!!!!!!!!!!! > >Carol Gray >58/21 >Houston,Texas >