No dramatic change since last report, but a couple new items and a little more detail.
Today is Wednesday, April 8, and I had FUS PTT in Solothurn, Switzerland 4 weeks ago today.
On March 25 I reported; “So the tally to date is; 1) relief from tremor, rigidity, stiffness, distonia, and pain on the left side, 2) much improved sleep, 3) normal walk, 4) relief from constipation, 5) facial mask is gone, 6) improved voice, 7) jaw tremor stopped yesterday and 8) minimal reduction of tremor in the right hand.”
One important improvement that I have not yet mentioned is that gate initiation was a problem for me. Once I stopped, I had to rock back and forth to get started again. I had trouble getting off equipment at the gym. That is now 90% resolved.
Also unmentioned previously, turning over in bed feels pretty normal.
Noteworthy, a slight tremor has returned to my left hand depending on the position I am holding it in. If I’m sitting in an armchair and my left arm is resting on the arm of the chair, a slight tremor appears. However, using my left hand, I can drink out of a glass, coffee out of a coffee cup, I can eat soup, but one day last week, I had trouble manipulating the computer mouse. If I hold both hands out in front of me there is a minor tremor detectable in my left hand, perhaps more of a vibration.
I believe, as does my wife, the tremor in my right hand has worsened somewhat.
Back pain is now gone. That used to be a problem.
I did not comment previously, that immediately after the procedure, I felt tipsy. I tended to lean forward so that, for example, when going up the stairs I would end up running so as not to fall. It had been disconcerting for the 1st couple weeks, but has now greatly diminished. Almost gone.
I reported that my walk is normal and recently full arm swing returned to my left arm.
Constipation is completely relieved which was a significant problem. About 5 days after the procedure, I began having 2 bowel movements a day which I am fine with because I think it is healthier (than 1/day) considering all other mammals poop more than once a day.
The back right side of my head has had some numbness which is pretty much gone now. This would not be due to the procedure but due to that bracket being screwed into my skull. Must have hit a nerve.
I used to have back pain in my upper back between my left shoulder blade and spine every day, but that’s gone now. Initially, the stiffness in my neck muscles seemed to be gone, but that’s returned to about what it was. It’s difficult and painful to turn my head to the left.
My biggest concern now is the quarantine at home has knocked me out of my exerciser routine at the gym, so now I have to discipline myself to get exercise inside the house or I am toast.
People contemplating PTT should temper their expectations primarily because they’re most likely to do only one side, which will provide great relief, but does not free you from PD. I still have significant tremor in my right arm, neck stiffness, impaired, but improved voice, balance, gait and dexterity.
As I said previously, the most significant differences is my attitude. I look forward to the future instead of with dread. I’m happy again. I believe if I can get back and get the other side of my head done, I’ll be 90% to 98% free of PD. I feel like the procedure took me back to 2013/14 -- where I was 2 or 3 years after diagnosis.
I am still challenged with PD, but I am feeling like we are now evenly matched -- with disciplined diet, exercise, and lifestyle, I can regain control. Probably most of us feel any amount of relief would be good. I feel approximately 65% relieved. I would do it again without a second of hesitation.
Marc
So great that this has worked for you!
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