1) 69 years, male,dx in1983 ;16 years now
(2) primarily dyskenesia; also for wearing off and
sensitivity to food.
(3) years and 10 months right side; 2 months less for
left side.
(4) all done in one procedure for each side.
(5) None really noticeable; there was swelling and black
and blue coloration where the stimulators were placed and my barber notices the
lumps where the openings were sealed off, each side of top of my
skull.
(6) They were turned on the day following each
operation.
(7) almost immediately.
(8) It took 3-4 trips for
adjustments but since then they are doing OK.
(9) do not know.
(10) adjustments were made as needed at intervals of a
week on up to a month..
(11) changes noticeable immediately at times,
but not noticeable over time adjustments made.
(12) surgery gave me a strong emotional lift
;am beginning to need more support though in last year or
so.
(13) only recently have noticed less need for meds. Since
going on Tasmar a year ago, have cut back about 20% on
Carbidopa/levopdopa.
(14) Can run rather clumsily both then and
now.
(15) I have been disappointed that it is only recently
that I could cut back on meds; but am more than ever convinced that it gave
me a 3-5 year turn back on my parkie clock. It would be
presumptuous of me to recommend anyone get a pallidal stim as dr. Koller
has found the subthalamic nucleus does an even better job.
(16) Cost of
the devices is rather steep at $10,000 each and it may be needed in another year
or two. When my batteries give out, the entire unit on each side of my
chest will need replacment.
your participation is sincerely
appreciated
Tom Riess