Thank you Jutka for the quick lesson on wigs.  I think it is looking better. My family still has a problem of not laughing when they see me in it..so I  don't know how much longer I will wear it.  It has been fun playing with it.  I am starting a new leaf this next year.  I am giving up my place of the board of directors at church and that will mean more free time to do something else.  I will get more involved in parkinsons things.  I have been invited many times to some support groups in our area and have ignored their invitations, now is the time, I think, to find out more and take advantage of all their knowledge.  I am very interested in having the dbs (deep brain surgery) if I pass all the tests to qualify. Some say it stopped their movement completely and it lasts for at least 10 years. SO now you will really get bored with reading all about my fun times with pd.  Sorry I guess I will lose some of the ones who read my junk.  It's a hazard of the blog. who knows maybe I will get new readers who are in the same boat.  Well here goes prepare to be bored. 

What is Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems. The procedure is also used to treat essential tremor, a common neurological movement disorder. At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.

DBS uses a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator—similar to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch—to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremor and PD symptoms.

Before the procedure, a neurosurgeon uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning to identify and locate the exact target within the brain where electrical nerve signals generate the PD symptoms. Some surgeons may use microelectrode recording—which involves a small wire that monitors the activity of nerve cells in the target area—to more specifically identify the precise brain target that will be stimulated. Generally, these targets are the thalamus, subthalamic nucleus, and globus pallidus.

The DBS system consists of three components: the lead, the extension, and the neurostimulator. The lead (also called an electrode)—a thin, insulated wire—is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within the targeted brain area.

The extension is an insulated wire that is passed under the skin of the head, neck, and shoulder, connectng the lead to the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator (the "battery pack") is the third component and is usually implanted under the skin near the collarbone. In some cases it may be implanted lower in the chest or under the skin over the abdomen.

Once the system is in place, electrical impulses are sent from the neurostimulator up along the extension wire and the lead and into the brain. These impulses interfere with and block the electrical signals that cause PD symptoms.

Is there any treatment?

Unlike previous surgeries for PD, DBS does not damage healthy brain tissue by destroying nerve cells. Instead the procedure blocks electrical signals from targeted areas in the brain. Thus, if newer, more promising treatments develop in the future, the DBS procedure can be reversed. Also, stimulation from the neurostimulator is easily adjustable—without further surgery—if the patient’s condition changes. Some people describe the stimulator adjustments as "programming."

What is the prognosis?

Although most patients still need to take medication after undergoing DBS, many patients experience considerable reduction of their PD symptoms and are able to greatly reduce their medications. The amount of reduction varies from patient to patient but can be considerably reduced in most patients. The reduction in dose of medication leads to a significant improvement in side effects such as dyskinesias (involuntary movements caused by long-term use of levodopa). In some cases, the stimulation itself can suppress dyskinesias without a reduction in medication.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on DBS to determine its safety, reliability, and effectiveness as a treatment for PD. Currently, NINDS-supported scientists are trying to determine the site(s) in the brain where DBS surgery will be most effective in reducing PD symptoms. These researchers are also comparing DBS to other PD therapies to find out which is more effective.

Well what do you think.  Should I do it or not.  Who knows they may not want me for some reason. I will go to the Dr in Dec. to see if I can be a candidate.  Keep your fingers crossed.  My journey is just begining  Have a great week.  Sass 

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I got a wig

It doesn't look very good at all but I have been wanting to see if I could stand the feel of it on my head and this one was at the Halloween store so I bought it.  My husband and son think it looks silly, and truthfully I sort of do too.  My hair is getting thinner with all the meds I take and this seems like I will be bald before long. I wore it most of yesterday afternoon and it wasn't too bad.  There must be some secrets I don't know about though it keeps slipping up and then moves to the left. People tend to stare a little. and then you know its time to adjust yourself.    If you look at my picture on the side you can compare the look.  Hubby says if I really intend to wear a wig then I should get a good one with real hair.  He obviously doesn't have any idea of the cost. Just Another wonderful thing Parkinson's does for you.  I guess that is my complaint for today.  It is a beautiful day in downtown Marion  around 80 degrees with a slight breeze.  Nights are just cool enough to be comfortable is a sheet for cover. I love this time of year.  Think I'll grab my husband and the dog and go for a hike by the lake.  Have a great day.     sass                                                                                                                                                

Fun times with my friends

Went to see Anita Renfroe last night.  It was a great show.  Good company and lots of laughs.  She really understands about life. I Think.  Don't take it too seriously  We went to Cracker Barrel for dinner first.  I had eaten shortly before so Kack, Ann, & I settled for dessert.  Marilyn had chicken.  Two us had the apple dumplin.  It was huge.  We could only eat about half.  I took mine home and had it for breakfast this morning.  It lost some of its greatness somehow. 
Speaking of the show.  I had one of her cds. and enjoyed it so much so I knew some of her show, but it still makes me laugh.  She has a great voice and plays the piano really well.  I hadn't known she is married to a preacher man.  She says she really isn;t the best preacher's wife, but I think I would like to go to their church.  He quit preaching and is on the road with her.  They have been married for thirty years.  If you get a chance and she is in your area go see her show.  You will like it I am sure.  IF not buy her cd thumbs up and get to know her.
I need to do more of this stuff.  I used to but have been neglecting my friends lately.  I will be better.  Oh I bought a tee shirt  It says" difficulty is inevitable Drama is a choice. "  How true.  Have a great day  Sass                                             

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Things are getting back to normal kind of

This week has been a little boring after the recent past.  I am back in physical therapy and it is making me very sore, but I think I may be getting better.  That is exciting after so many months of constant pain.  I just hope it works for a long time.
I want to talk a little about my new complaint.  I don't know how things are where you live, but we live on a lake and there are subdivisions.  Each subdivision has it's own set of rules and regulations These rules are supposed to make sure no one builds something that will ruin the property value  or doesn't keep up their property so that the whole area is pleasing and  comfortable. Each subdivision has it's own access to put in boats that is kept up by those people. Ours is probably the nicest park and boat ramp on the lake.  Others try to put in their boats in our area from time to time but a chain which needs key stops them. There are things I do not agree with when it comes to telling me what I can or can't do on my property.  There is a yearly fee and it continues to raise each year.  Our friends in the next subdivision have it worse than we do.  The dues have doubled in price and the restrictions are
getting ridiculous.  You can't put up a shed or cabana for your pool without getting permission. We also have to join the Lake association and pay dues. That too is going up in price yearly. 
This all makes you wonder why didn't I know about this when we bought the property.  Simple it wasn't here.  It seems people can't be happy with live and let live they have to tell you how to live and what your place will look like that you live in.  This is more common than I thought in housing now days.  I pay my dues both places, we have to if we want to put our boat in the water that's why we moved to the lake in the first place.  Do you have restrictions like this too.  Have a great weekend Sass

It was great fun

Spent time with family in Wisconsin.  I had so much fun.  Friday morning was sadly wonderful as we got flowers and went to the cemetery. Our brother is the first in line.  His plane went down during the Viet Nam era.  He was a Capt in the Air force.  He has been gone since 1968.  We still think we miss him, but I think it's been a habit for such a long time that there are many things we have forgotten about him.  I would love to see his face again. Then Daddy.  He suffered with cancer which moved to different places in his body, it pretty much wore him so far down there was no getting back up again.  I don't remember how many years he fought it, but he sure did his best.  Mother in the last days kept telling him it was all right to go, she understood.  He didn't want to leave her alone, but our youngest sister promised to take care of Mother So he let go and let God.  Now Mother was a different story.  She was in constant pain from arthritis and other things but she was like the energizer bunny she just kept going and going.  In fact she had driven to the doctors office for a checkup and was at the desk making an appointment when an aneurysm burst and even though she made it to the hospital they couldn't save her.. It was very quick. 
when we had finished putting flowers on their graves we went down a little further and found Grandpa and Grandma.  I don't know how the cemetery's are around you but up there the flower vase is connected to the grave marker, and I do mean marker you are not allowed to have a raised stone. It must be ground level.  Their vase hadn't been raised for so long we had to pry it open.  It was full of mud really yucky.  Tears fall of course but they were love tears.
Then on to visit the living family.  Our niece is so cool.  She has taken in cocaine babies straight from the hospital for years/.  She never knows what kind of shape they will be in.  I don't know how she does it.  She has recently retired from doing this and has taken a normal job, and can't believe how much free time she has.  We went out to eat and the conversation was great/  The Margaretta  was good too. Three of us shared one big drink.  Big drinkers huh?  Next day on to my sisters kids and their families.  Our nephew has the cutest little red headed 2 year old.  Curls all over. and the neatest thing is the space between her front teeth.  When she smiles she is a knockout.  As the great Uncle and Aunt we have this thing about giving nieces a tea set when they are very young.  She gave us the best tea party.  Pretend of course so we drank tea for over an hour.,  Then on to the daughter of my sister and her family.  She has two girls.  The oldest one got her tea set years ago but the 3 year old was due.  She put fruit gimmes out for us along with the tea. Both girls are extremely polite and cute as buttons with their pretty blond hair.   Then we went out to the restaurant for lunch.  back to the son and on to dinner that night.  We Ate TOO Much. 
It was just the right amount of time to visit. So here goes.  Thank you Mag and Dean for the place to stay, then good breakfasts, for using up all your gas taking us around, for going to the cemetery with us, for letting us enjoy your family too. for the good conversations , and letting each of us voice our opinion without taking exception. , and for letting me love you as only sisters can. It was a much needed time for me. and I just wish Joyce had been there too.  We must make a time for that.  By the way Mag is the sister on the right.  Luv ya Sass

I can't wait

We are going to take a short trip to see my sister and others in my family. We lived in Wisconsin for a good part of our marriage while raising our two boys.  I loved the change in  it's weather and I even loved the winters.  My husband not so much.  My parents, brother, and grandparents are all buried there and I want to go put flowers on their graves.  We will be celebrating birthdays of great nieces and so there will be a party. that's nice as it will mean we all get together.  I love family get together.  We don't get to have them very often since the family is so spread out.
Have you gotten together with your family lately.  Better do it soon.  You just never know.  I had that brought home to me this morning.  I went to the doctor and he began by telling me that he could see progression in my Parkinson's.  I asked about what to do for the problem of my leg shaking so much I didn't feel like it would hold me up sometimes.   He said I might look into a chair for hard days.   I didn't want to hear that.  I have been trying so hard not to have to go there..  Some day I will have to face facts. I am getting less steady on my feet.  He suggested more drugs.  I hate that too.  The only thing I can hope is that I get a nifty scooter in red so I can zoom down the road.