As many of you know Hank was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in March of 1995 at the age of 65. Luckily dad was very aware of changes that were happening and was diagnosed in the early stages. With the help of medication he has been able to lead a very full life with little to no restrictions. As time has passed, symptoms have changed, medications have changed and it is now time to take a new look at how help dad with the symptoms of his Parkinson's.
After two rescheduled dates, Feb 11 and March 10 we have a new date. On March 18, 2009, if all goes well, dad will undergo DBS, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Just what does this mean? In short, a small pacemaker type of electrode will be inserted into the right side of dad's brain. This will help his left side symptoms, tremors, etc. There will be a "lead" wire that is fed down and into his chest for future "tune-ups" as needed.
To read more about DBS you can go to: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/deep_brain_stimulation/deep_brain_stimulation.htm
17 comments:
I am so pleased and happy that Hank did so well in his surgery! You have my continued support and prayers Vogelgesang family! Annette
Collette, First of all I want to say how happy I am that the surgery went well. I hope for continued progress. Thanks for doing this we appreciate knowing there is a way for us to get updates on how Hank is doing. I have been thinking of him often the last week and I was very pleased to see your e-mail this morning. Say hello to Marilyn and give everyone my love.
Hank,
I'm sure Dave is tired of me asking when your surgery date is. I'm so glad to hear they were able to schedule you for the procedure and it was successful. You and my dad are like the Energizer bunny. They keep poking, probing & sometimes they throw in a few new parts and you keep on going. We will be thinking of you and say a few payers to help speed up the recovery.
Glenn & Betsy Iverson
Please give Uncle Hank a big hug from me and let him know I'm so happy things went well! I will keep you in my prayers and make sure I can bug you in person as soon as possible!
Love, Mary Beth
Colette,
Thank you for the updates. I was just wondering the other night when the surgery was and how things were going. My Love to all and I will stay tuned.
Tommy
We are happy to hear in Michigan that everything went well yesterday with surgery and I hope you will be up and around quickly, Hank. Look forward to having another beer one day with you! Jack & Donna are in the loop also and send along their thoughts & prayers. Mommacita- hang in there, we are also thinking of you as well! Hope everything goes well so you can be back in sunny AZ in no time, wish I was still there myself. Keep in touch when you get home!
Love, Julie
Hey Grandpa I'm glad to hear the surgery went well. Anna and I will see you soon in AZ.
Love,
Ryan
Hi Grandpa, I'm glad you are feeling all right. It will be nice to give you a hug when I see you in AZ.
Love, Anna
Hello Hank,
I am so happy to know everything is going well and that you are keeping 'em doctors and nurses on their toes. The kids are looking forward to seeing you in AZ, that's for sure.
Keep us all posted on your progression.
Love,
Alba
Hank,
Greeting from New Jersey... Its been awhile since i last visited you and Marilyn in AZ, and I hope we can see each other again soon.
Just know you both are always in my heart as special people and I pray that you get back to AZ soon.
Love you guys,
Donna
ps. Dont give the nurses a hard time. LOL
Hank, glad you are doing so well. your room is ready and waiting for you to come home. We are missing you.
Colette and Sue
Thanks for all of the calls and the new blog. we appreciate the photos and updates..hope to see you in Az soon.
Love you
Mary and Ed
Love your blog. Great talking to Marilyn last nite as you were lost.
Have a good lazy weekend, you all deserve it.
Roseanne
Hi Grandpa!
I can't wait until you come back to MN to give you a hug and see you! I love you and miss you!
Love,
Nicole
Hi Hank,
Nicole tells me you had surgery for your Parkinson's. I hope all went well and wish you a speedy recovery. I hope this improves your symptoms. Best wishes!! I will keep you in my thoughts.
Mary
I can remember when you bought the 8086 Epson Equity II, and Marilyn had a ball with it. Who would have predicted that you guys would have, through all this adversity, been able to communicate with all your friends in real time. The best to you and kepp the updates coming
Hi Uncle Hank, writing to wish you a speedy recovery. We are happy to hear things are going well. Say hi to Auntie Mo for us and hope you are back in MN soon!
Lots of love,
Neal & Sue Oestreich
Good job Sarah, my best to Marilyn as she goes thru her tests.
Tell Marilyn & Hank that we celebrated Jean's 70th tonite at Bunny's. Lew & Mary are leaving Texas tomorrow with a stop in Kansas, then back to Mn.
Sounds like some things are getting back to normal in Az.Enjoy your visit.
Roseanne
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