March 11, PTT & me; one month update - Cure Parkinson's

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March 11, PTT & me; one month update

MBAnderson profile image
60 Replies

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

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MBAnderson
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60 Replies
Fighttolivenow profile image
Fighttolivenow

Thanks for the update Marc....so happy that optism has returned....

WinnieThePoo profile image
WinnieThePoo

Sounds good Marc. Stay safe from Covid19 and come back and have the other side done.

pdkid profile image
pdkid

Incredible Marc, thanks so much for the hopeful update.

gaga1958 profile image
gaga1958

so glad you've gotten such a good result. don't answer if you feel this is too nosy but will insurance cover this if done out of the country? and I thought this couldn't be done on both sides, so i'm confused.

again, its great to hear your good report.. thxs for sharing.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to gaga1958

It can be done on both sides, but they normally only do one side at a time. Insurance will not cover procedures done outside the country.

terryd profile image
terryd in reply to MBAnderson

Thanks MBA for your updates -also if you will,is there a strategy as to which side of the brain is treated first ? Best wishes

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to terryd

They did the right side because my tremor and other symptoms showed up on the left side 1st and took a few years to move to the right side, so, they said the right side of my brain was leading the progression and the left side was following, so by doing the right side, their theory is that, that will stop the progression. We'll see.

Fed1000 profile image
Fed1000

Very precise and complete report. Thanks. Over time you will notice further improvements. Remember that we are no longer very young and that some problems we suffer from are caused by age.

reedboat2 profile image
reedboat2

Thanks Marc. You are a ray of hope for us all - JG

Jockboy17 profile image
Jockboy17

Yes Marc, if you're ok with answering, when/if you return for another procedure on the other side do you have to pay again for the second visit? I know insurance didn't/doesn't cover and you kindly listed costs. Thank you so much for your detailed reports. So pleased for you. john

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to Jockboy17

John,

I am sure they charge for the 2nd procedure, but I'm hoping it will be somewhat less.

rescuema profile image
rescuema

Thanks for the update Marc. Perhaps some setbacks may be related to the tremendous stress you've been under lately with Covid-19. It's good to see that you're in good spirits. Thumbs up!

Zella23 profile image
Zella23

So pleased to hear about your progress! Seems all those improvements are well worth having the procedure. My husband can no longer go to the gym so exercises to videos and takes a quick walk. We live near a green and forest so keep our distance from others.

ParlePark profile image
ParlePark

Great to hear and thanks for sharing!

Sandakan profile image
Sandakan

So encouraging to read your progress. It gives me greater hope for my wife. Thanks so much Marc, keep improving 👍

John

Farooqji profile image
Farooqji

Thanks for sharing this

Parkie- profile image
Parkie-

Thank you for the update. This is very encouraging. Have you had a follow-up with Dr J so far?

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to Parkie-

no, the 1st follow-up is 3 months

Jennyjenny2 profile image
Jennyjenny2

Thanks, Marc, for the update. We’re so pleased for you! Hope for more improvements to come.

bepo profile image
bepo

Thanks for the Update! It sounds like mostly good news. It was a good thing you finished your procedure before all of the Corina 2 started.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to bepo

Yes, but just barely. Had many flights cancelled and we were scrambling. We flew out of Zurich 3/18.

bepo profile image
bepo in reply to MBAnderson

great

andrehypnotic profile image
andrehypnotic

A pity you cannot show a video of the procedure you went through and what it entails?Good luck and warm regards.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to andrehypnotic

There are some good videos on you tube. See Swedish Hospital in Seattle has a good one.

youtube.com/watch?v=lXainrV...

youtube.com/watch?v=04X-7rr...

andrehypnotic profile image
andrehypnotic in reply to MBAnderson

Many thanks 🙏

lenamm profile image
lenamm in reply to andrehypnotic

I made a short video explaining the procedure if it helps

youtube.com/watch?v=a8oWA79...

andrehypnotic profile image
andrehypnotic in reply to lenamm

Many thanks 🙏

lenamm profile image
lenamm in reply to andrehypnotic

Also in Chris' go fund me for his second surgery there is a great video slide show gofundme.com/f/chris-brandt...

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to lenamm

Lena, do you know if 'GoFund Me' is or gets connected to one's Facebook page?

lenamm profile image
lenamm in reply to MBAnderson

I don’t think so unless you choose to use it that way. You can view without an account

lenamm profile image
lenamm in reply to andrehypnotic

And one more - Dr. J explaining PTT

youtube.com/watch?v=auhVhEQ...

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson

much better choice of videos

Gioc profile image
Gioc

I am very happy for you Marc!

The dark day of PD are finish!

Gio

jnorwood1 profile image
jnorwood1

Inspiring post Marc! I wish you all the best. I just started having neck and shoulder issues also. Chiropractor 4 times in last two weeks but symptoms reappear in a day or so. I have a couple of questions about your FUS. What was the cost in US dollars and how bad do your symptoms have to be before you can have it done? Thanks!

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to jnorwood1

Their fee is 35,000 Swiss Francs. Including the exchange rate which is $0.92-$0.95 on the dollar and travel expenses, it cost us $41,000-$42,000.

I don't know to what degree they base their decision on how bad your symptoms are. Somewhere, I posted a thread which was their paper /description of their inclusion criteria.

Mostly, they talk about running to the end of the line on levodopa therapy or being unresponsive to levodopa therapy, but there are a lot of other criteria that are loosely defined, so I can only suggest you read their website.

nkurilskaya profile image
nkurilskaya

Thank you, Marc, so much for detailed update. So pleasant to read about your progress. Keep improving. May be you know if this procedure has any age restrictions. My husband is 79. How long does it take to be enrolled? Have you have "off" periods before the treatment? and if yes how it is now. Do you take any Parkinson's medicine now? Best wishes.

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to nkurilskaya

nkurilskaya, I think they would accept someone who 79, but I do not know for sure. I only take 150/200 bedtime now. I did not take a lot of carbidopa/levodopa before the procedure because I'm not very responsive to it.

The best way to find out about it is to read their website because I don't want to give you the wrong information.

SoniModul. Also put FUS in the search window on this forum, as there have been several discussions and some are more thorough than others.

nkurilskaya profile image
nkurilskaya

Thank you so much for your answer. Good luck.

Natalya.

Gioc profile image
Gioc

If I can afford Marc, from your numerous recent posts this gain shines through: creative intention towards life, which is not a little on the PD test. Again I am very happy for you.Gio

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to Gioc

Thank you, Gio, you warm my heart.

pdkid profile image
pdkid

Hello Again, Marc!

Apologies if you have already answered this elsewhere...

Wondering what how your medicine / supplement schedule has changed post-surgery.

Thanks again for sharing all your experiences, it has really been helpful!! -april

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to pdkid

No problem. I haven't changed anything. I go about my life exactly as I did before because I still am a PWP. I'm still 1/2 quart down on dopamine .Take the same supplements, etc.

My disappointment is that I was hoping that I could use this post op liberation to ramp up my exercise. Oh well.

How are you doing? Are you considering FUS?

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to MBAnderson

We are considering it for my dad. I have replied to some of your other posts! In touch now with the people in Switzerland. My parents are gathering up the info (videos, medical notes, mri scans) to send them. I am really hoping that he qualifies. Its really not sustainable for my dad to experience 4-6 hours of freezing a day. DBS is an option but we want to avoid the invasive hardware if we can. It's become scary that at night sometimes when he is wearing off he has been experiencing a shortness of breath. I think its partially anxiety related. I hope this pandemic ends sooner rather than later and that you can achieve all your exercise dreams!

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson

Sorry. Now I remember. I"ll keep my fingers and dystonia free crossed for your dad. I wish him and your family the best. You're putting in a lot of time and effort for him. He's lucky to have you. If there's anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

Marc

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to MBAnderson

Marc! I don't know how I missed this 2 weeks ago...! Was just scrolling through this thread again and saw this. Thank you so much for the encouraging message. Trying our best over here but it can be tough.

Hey so they have reviewed all the info we sent and we now have a phone call with Dr J on Tuesday. Any idea what we can expect? I guess it depends on their assessment of the info...

Hope you're getting to find ways of maintaining a good at home exercise routine! Thanks for the dystonia free well wishes, april

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to pdkid

pdkid, I am struggling to get a full 45 minutes of exercise every day. I don't know why it's so much harder at home than in the gym, but it is.

As to what you can expect, it'll be a brief, to the point phone call. I believe that he invited you to have a phone consultation is a good sign because it means you are not rule out by the videos and medical records you sent. I believe it means you're about 70% of the way accepted. I think the import feature you have going for you is that your dad is often unresponsive to Sinemet and that he's fairly well advanced. That probably showed through in the video.

I would not expect in-depth conversation. If I had to bet, I'd bet you're bound for Switzerland someday.

Let us know soon as you can. When is the telephone consultation?

Marc

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to MBAnderson

Wow, thank you for the insight! I don't know why it's like I have butterflies in my stomach. Now if only this darned pandemic would end so it wouldn't be a hurdle for my dad's FUS and your exercise . . .

Home exercise is a struggle for me too. I find putting on music or the tv helpful.

Its on Tuesday! I'll give an update then.

warmly, april

Lana666 profile image
Lana666 in reply to pdkid

April, holding fingers crossed for you and your dad.

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to Lana666

thanks so much lana, really appreciated

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to MBAnderson

Had a very disappointing phone call 10 hours ago with Dr. J. He was really thoughtful, kind and offered helpful advice though. Most of the 25 minute conversation was Dr. Jeanmonod trying to have me understand why he couldn't commit to helping my dad. (Yes, it was difficult for me to accept, I really wanted it to work!)

He said that my dad's form of parkinson's is really difficult to treat with any surgery, and that we might be disappointed to have him undergo the FUS and see that he still has gait freezing (his biggest problem is freezing). He also said that with my dad's kind of rigidity / gait freezing pd, he likes to have several follow-up appointments, and work on the emotional and psychological side, which would obviously be difficult to do since we don't live in Switzerland.

Dr. J recommended LSVT and most of all, doing intense psycho-emotional therapy. He said that in his experience, deep anxiety cannot be ruled out as a major player in my dad's form of parkinson's.

I asked if we could do LSVT and psycho-emotional therapy over here in Canada, and then check back in 6 months and he said that this could be a possibility.

So not completely ruled out, but Dr. Jeanmonod wanted to be really honest (which we really appreciated).

After the call I sent an email and asked if the surgery would still help with my dad's dystonia, dyskinesia and bradykenesia... I was a bit disappointed by the news and forgot to ask this on the phone. I'll see what he says, but either way, no FUS for my dad for now...

This recent stem cell news looks hopeful in the near-distant future though:

statnews.com/2020/05/12/med...

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to pdkid

pdkid,

I am very sorry to hear that FUS is not likely an option for your dad at this time. Perhaps that will change with time.

Since Dr. J is suggesting there may be some deep seated anxiety issues that could take time to work through, I have a suggestion that you can try that may possibly help. I wrote about it on this forum over a year or so ago. It is one of the few treatments that has helped to alleviate PTSD effectively with no potential for the side effects that drugs used for PTSD can cause. I use it myself and have found it effective in dealing with stressful issues, but it has a very broad range of effects.

I had known about it for many years, but had never given it serious consideration, but by some reason that seemed out of the ordinary to me, I decided to try it and was pleasantly surprised by what I found in terms of benefit.

This relief technique requires no professional training nor expense. It is commonly referred to as Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT. There are literally hundreds of youtube videos on the subject and I did find one series which I felt was a much more simplified version that seemed to fit me well. It does work and there are actually quite a few studies on PubMed which tend to confirm that it works, but the point being that whether it works for your dad or not, it will only cost you a minimum amount of time to figure that out. If he finds benefit, continue and go further. If he finds no benefit after a reasonable amount of time, then you are out nothing, except the time you spent testing it.

When I first started reading about it, my first, second and third thoughts were, BS! When I tried it myself, my fourth thought was, hey this works! My best explanation of what it actually does is that it allows you to release negative emotions, negative thoughts, negative memories and negative energy that all impact your life in a negative way. Here is a link to what I wrote about it :

healthunlocked.com/parkinso...

Good luck! I forgot to mention, even if your dad is not physically able to practice EFT, you can actually do it for him. This will become clearer to you as you read about it.

Art

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to chartist

Wow, thank you so much Art! Really appreciate this suggestion. I have passed it on to my father and will try the exercises myself. I did a qigong session once, which does look a bit similar, and felt pretty good during and after. With the pandemic going on, there is much time to try this out, and also, nothing to lose! This is definitely a good start in terms of dealing with deep anxieties. Its also great that one can do it on their own. Will keep ya posted, thanks!

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to pdkid

I found that starting with something easy and simple worked well for me because once you see it work, it makes you want to try more. The really deep seated things can take time and regular effort, but even those things crumble. I started out just thinking about a person who I had issues with and that crumbled in just a couple of tries. Keep us posted on how your dad and yourself do with it. What I found is that writing down old issues, even from childhood, when they come to mind, gave me things to "aim" at and was helpful. It should also be very useful for relieving stress and tension related to this pandemic!

Art

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to chartist

Amazing, Art, thank you so much... And thanks for the further tips and insight :) So great that this has worked for you!

pdkid profile image
pdkid in reply to pdkid

UPDATE:

Follow up from spring's conversation with Dr. J... he still can't help my dad and wondering if anyone has any ideas or suggestions on how we should move forward... the part that I'm puzzled about is that even if its only a partial relief from symptoms, wouldn't that be better than no relief?

The stiffness, and slowness and pain, poor sleep and poor digestion are still a big problem for my dad, and taking L-Dopa every 2.5 hours is becoming very tiresome.

Here was his message:

--------------------

Dear April,

Many thanks for the sending of your father's data, which you have perfectly collected!

We still have the evidence that he suffers from a disease form centered very dominantly on the blockage of the gait process, a form which has a questionable indication for our approach, with a high risk of partial and unsatisfactory symptom relief. As already discussed with you, our experience indicates that the central dynamics here is in the emotional domain, and I think that the efforts already undertaken in this direction should be continued, accompanied by a regular L-Dopa treatment.

I am sorry that we shall not be able to help your father, and wish him all the best in his evolution.

With our kindest regards

D. Jeanmonod and team

--------------------

You know, I have been so puzzled about why someone who is willing to travel and pay for this surgery, and fully understands that they would only be getting partial relief would still be refused this treatment... I am wondering if its because this is the only place that does it, and it is still early on in the world of science that this surgery has been offered to the world, maybe they only want to treat people who would show how successful this treatment is...

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to pdkid

April,

I suspect that what you imagine to be "partial" and what Dr. J means by "partial" are 2 different levels. You may be imagining 50% relief, while Dr. J really means insignificant relief.

If Dr. J believed he could be of benefit, he would try. I suspect he fears no improvement at all might likely be the result and that might anger or frustrate you more.

I talked to him about exporting the technique and he did not impress me as being particularly concerned one way or the other. (He is of an age to retire soon.)

If I were in your place, I would not rule out DBS. I did explore DBS for myself couple years ago (but did not qualify.) While there are certainly legitimate concerns, the vast majority of people are happy with it. (I've met 3 PWP who have had it and are quite happy with it.) This is not a recommendation. This is no more than my saying if I were in your place, I would not rule it out.

marc

chartist profile image
chartist

Hi Marc,

Just wondering if you have any updates or if you listed them somewhere else and I missed it?

Art

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to chartist

I'll post my 90 day update June 11

chartist profile image
chartist in reply to MBAnderson

I can hardly wait!!!

Art

MBAnderson profile image
MBAnderson in reply to chartist

It's going to be little good news and bad news

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