10 years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. It is a neurological disease where the brain no longer produces dopamine, the chemical that allows the brain to communicate with the nerves that control muscle movement. The lack of dopamine causes symptoms like a tremor in the arms and legs. Parkinson's generally affects one side of the body and eventually both sides leaving a person unable to do many daily function most people take for granted. Parkinson's can be controlled in its early stages with medication, however the meds have a "shelf life" in the body and eventually lose their effectiveness. As well irreversible side effects are common after years of taking the same medication.
About six weeks ago, we had a consultation with a doctor in Regina about the possibility of surgery, specifically a process called deep brain stimulation where probes are place in the part of the brain that controls muscle movement. Electrical impulses are then sent to the probes from a power pack which hopefully will stop the involuntary movements. He recommended the surgery and a date was tentatively set for mid summer and then finalized for June 18.
There are several excellent websites that describe this procedure. I have given you the Readers Digest version.
This blog will hopefully do a couple of things. It will keep people informed of my progress as well as give me a place where I can post my feelings, thoughts or whatever for people to see.
This journey would not be possible without the support of wife, Connie, my family and our many friends both here at home and across the country in the hockey community. To those of you who are closest to me..and you know who you are..thank-you for everything you have done so far.
Please check back often, especially as the surgery nears, when I have the surgery and the two months of recovery time that I will need. Please post your comments, good, bad or otherwise.
