Peter
I want to thank a few people for their assistance over the years. As you know, Parkinson’s can be a real challenge and I am slowly getting worse or faster than I should be. I can’t remember how much I’ve told you, but I know you were aware that I’m a lot worse than you are.
Just as a refresher: I’ve got pretty bad dystonia in my hamstrings for 3 1/2 years and I have been really unable to sit down without excruciating pain for that whole time. There aren’t many things you can do for dystonia. Along with that, my gastroparesis has become significantly worse. I’m nauseated constantly. Eating can be a challenge and I’ve lost over 100 pounds. Have constant chronic insomnia need to take multiple medication’s just To sleep. Walking is a challenge. I do have a walker. I prefer not to use it, but I have to. I could barely pick up my Sony A1 and 24 to 70 zoom. I even have to laugh when I look at The Tele photo lenses because they are so heavy. I might be able to use it with a tripod go to sleep.
So this coming February 19, I’m going to the University of Washington and I’m going to have deep brain stimulation surgery at six in the morning. Hopefully it will affect my dystonia in the proper manner and that it will loosen me up because I am really stiff. If I’m fortunate, I’ll be able to cut back on some of the medication‘s that got me so constipated that I can’t have a bowel movement without an enema.
Yeah, that bad!
Well, the surgery will probably make me a little more comfortable and I’ll be able to enjoy some quality of life, but it doesn’t stop the Parkinson’s from continuing to deteriorate. Who knows?
So better news now! On February 19, I go into the University of Washington Hospital and get deep brain stimulation surgery, which should help reduce my dystonia, make me a little less stiff, perhaps decrease my medication load and reduce the constipation. Maybe a dream come true.
Just curious, do you know anyone else besides us who has Parkinson’s and is in the photo group?
I haven’t told that many people about it, but David Kingham, Diane Miller, Dennis Plank and yourself .
As far as I’m concerned, it is a really shitty disease.
I don’t know if you’re aware of it but Rytary It’s going generic and will be replaced by a more expensive drug. I take Rytary At least six or seven times a day at the high dose period. Pricey stuff, but can’t come close to the nuplazid At $6000 a month. Good thing for Medicare.
Wish me luck on the surgery!
David Schoen
And a big thanks to everyone who has helped me out over the years to become a much better photographer all of the results of this wonderful website.
