"My Final Answer..." (at least 8 - 10)

I know that's a lame title for this post, but it's 2:50am - I'm awake, my fingers are working, but I'm not certain my creativity is up to par.  Continuing with the Q&A ......

Q8):  What is the battery life of your IPG?
A8):  Three to five years relative to the amount of voltage output.  November 13th is my surgery anniversary ( since 2009 ), and I noticed that my remote control readout says my IPG is at 2.90v as opposed to the 2.96v it's been registering, until about 4 months ago.  What does that mean?  I'm not quite sure, but my doc at Stanford didn't seem worried about it during my last visit.

Q9):   What is the hardest thing to deal with about Parkinson's - physically?
A9):  Actually, over the past 6 months, I've noticed having difficulty swallowing, more coughing, and most obviously, the speaking issue.  My current inability to communicate effectively has taken a toll on our quality of life, and Beckie, my wife and caregiver finds herself isolated and frustrated.  I feel quite helpless most of the time, like Cher, my sentiments are, "If I Could Turn Back Time."

Q10):  My (relative or friend) has Parkinson's.  Could he/she qualify for DBS surgery?
A10):  Age, general health, mental stability and attitude all play into the  process of qualifying for DBS.  I was 55 when first diagnosed, had DBS surgery at 58 and have been quite healthy until diagnosis.  My attitude has been optimistic and my cognitive abilities intact.  If I were 75, with physical complications, I might not qualify.   Depending on your friend's situation, they may or may not qualify.  In my opinion, they should definitely check into the possibility -- sooner, rather than later.  **Beckie adds a footnote:  it's been our observation and personal experience that many neurologists drag their feet (big time!) in even suggesting - let alone being proactive - that the patient pursue the possibility of DBS.  YOU may have to ask for a referral --- and not take no for an answer.  What do you have to lose?

Bonus Q:  Is it true that smokers have a very low incidence of Parkinson's?
A: Yes.   They aren't sure exactly why, but it's true.  However, if you have PD, smoking won't make it go away.  (Even though some say it possibly extends the "ON" time in patients)   I've never smoked more than a handful of times in 60 years.  However, if it does give relief and less side effects than traditional PD medication, maybe................. What would you do?  Like I have often said if Parkinson's doesn't get you, the medications will.   (See my post from a year ago, Oct 13, 2010 about why I feel strange most often.)

And, Ladies and Gentlemen, on that 'positive' note, I'm going to try to go to sleep.  It's 3:58am and all is well.  (It's not, but let's say it is). 

"Night, night" he whispered - with visions of Peter, Paul and Mary on a late night infomercial singing distant strains of 'Puff the Magic Dragon..." followed by the Beatles reminiscing with "Yesterday."  (go ahead, sing along with me:  'yesterday....... all my troubles seemed so far away'  ....fading, fading, f a d i n g  ,  f   a   d  i   n   g  ..........  G' night John Boy.