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BS: What wonderful news.
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Subject: BS: What wonderful news. From: Arthur_itus Date: 23 Dec 11 - 03:48 AM It is so lovely to see some excellent news instead of all the doom and gloom that is around. May she have a very nice Christmas and I hope many years of not having to suffer such a debiltating illness. A woman who was disabled by relentless muscle jerks has been fitted with a 'brain pacemaker' that has allowed her to return to normal life. Jayne Bargent's head and neck were so badly affected by the uncontrollable convulsions of Tourette's syndrome that she could not drive, read, or walk properly. It is absolutely amazing. I do not feel I am the same person. I have had three years of getting worse. Now I have got my life back. Jayne Bargent She is one of the first sufferers to be implanted with electrodes in her brain that fire tiny electric pulses into the region believed to cause the muscle tics. Sky News exclusively filmed the extraordinary operation, and then - six weeks later - the moment the electrodes were switched on. Over a period of about 40 minutes the tics almost completely disappeared. She said: "It is absolutely amazing. I do not feel I am the same person. I have had three years of getting worse. Now I have got my life back." The technique is called Deep Brain Stimulation. It is already used to treat some other neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. But a team at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery has started using it as an experimental treatment for adults severely affected by Tourette's. Surgeons drilled holes in Jayne's skull and then threaded two electrodes, each the width of a pencil lead, 8cm into her skull. Electrical impulses spread a short distance into her brain tissue. Consultant neurosurgeon Mr Ludvic Zrinzo said doctors do not know for sure how the technique works. "What we think is happening is that there is some disorganised information travelling through circuits in the brain. We are dampening these messages and allowing other parts of the brain to take over," he said. Jayne Bargent says the treatment has transformed her life The operation was carefully planned with MRI scans. Surgeons had to avoid critical areas of the brain. If they punctured a major blood vessel they could have caused a potentially catastrophic stroke. Once the swelling from the operation had reduced Jayne returned to the hospital to have the electrodes switched on. A pacemaker implanted under the skin of her chest controls the electrodes. By holding a device over the pacemaker, doctors can wirelessly set the strength and frequency of the electrical pulses. Jayne's response was remarkable. Her head and neck became still, she stopped gasping for breath and her voice returned to normal. Some tics still broke through, but consultant neurologist Dr Tom Foltynie expects continued improvement. "We generally see effects over days rather than minutes," he said. "There are changes that occur in the brain in response to continuous delivery of stimulation that get better day by day, week by week." Dr Foltynie is running the first clinical trial of the procedure. A dozen adults with severe Tourette's will be fitted with the brain stimulator and then monitored over six months. The syndrome affects around 300,000 people in Britain - but most only have minor muscle twitches and usually grow out of it. For Jayne, the improvement is overwhelming. "I couldn't imagine living the rest of my life as I was. "I would have considered going over to Switzerland to Dignitas (the suicide clinic) when it got to the stage where I just could not feel I could carry on. "We will be able to go out again and go for walks. "It will have a huge impact on our lives." Link http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16135715 |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: alanabit Date: 23 Dec 11 - 04:45 AM Lovely news. Thanks for telling us. Anyone would be glad to hear this. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: kendall Date: 23 Dec 11 - 06:48 AM There is good news all over but it is preempted by the negative crap that appeals to so many of us. This is wonderful news. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: fat B****rd Date: 23 Dec 11 - 07:01 AM Thank you, Arthur, me old pal me old beauty. A wonderful achievement. Quite right to have some good 'vibes' around here. Charlie PS I'll be in touch. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: katlaughing Date: 23 Dec 11 - 12:46 PM I just got a call from my daughter back east in Connecticut where she lives with my twin grandsons. She knows I've really been missing her and her boys this Christmas. She has been on unemployment since last June, so her budget has been quite small. My grandsons, Akira and Elijah, have been attending the same school all of their lives and have always participated in the music classes including chorus. Music is in their blood from all sides.:-) Today, their music teacher called my daughter to say all of the teachers who know her boys had been saving money all year and purchased a large music keyboard for them for Christmas! On top of that, they also gave them gift certificates for clothes, gave them a ham, and gave my daughter a gift certificate for herself. The music teacher will be bringing the packages by this afternoon. I can hardly dictate this to my voice recognition program due to grateful tears. Music has always been such a huge important part of my life and I've always been grateful that it passed on to my children and my grandchildren. I am so grateful that people I've never even met have been so generous and supportive. I haven't seen my grandsons since they were born 13 years ago, but I always hear about what wonderful gentlemen they are in school and when visiting others. Of course they can be holy terrors at home, but they are loving and creative souls just like their mom and I couldn't be prouder of her, for the way she has raised them, and of them. That's my Wonderful News of the day. Isn't it fitting it is a music teacher who instigated this? Thanks for listening, kat |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: catspaw49 Date: 23 Dec 11 - 01:01 PM Geeziz katmyluv....I'm speechless! How great!!!! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Bettynh Date: 23 Dec 11 - 01:29 PM The layaway angel phenomenon is still growing, with a day to go. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Arthur_itus Date: 23 Dec 11 - 01:43 PM That is really nice Kat. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: gnu Date: 23 Dec 11 - 01:53 PM Excellent! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: katlaughing Date: 23 Dec 11 - 01:58 PM Thanks, folks. Bettynh, more tears. What a wonderful, HOPE-filled story! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Bobert Date: 23 Dec 11 - 02:57 PM I want one... B~ |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: fat B****rd Date: 23 Dec 11 - 03:15 PM I'm happy for you and the boys, Kat. Great Christmas present. Charlie. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: ChanteyLass Date: 24 Dec 11 - 12:03 AM It is always uplifting to read good news, but your family's story is very touching, Kat. I'd like to see this thread grow long with additional good news posts. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: alanabit Date: 24 Dec 11 - 03:25 AM Glad to hear your news Kat. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Phot Date: 24 Dec 11 - 04:23 AM In a world thats seems more nuts every day, its so nice to hear of two really good stories! Peace, love and light to you all! Wassail!! Chris |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: catspaw49 Date: 25 Dec 11 - 02:34 PM Many of you are familiar with what my son Michael went through starting about age 13 with depression and the resultant RAD with cutting and even attempted suicide. After 3 hospitalization and time in a treatment center along with a load of drugs and counseling, he began making a comeback in late 2007, age 16. He still struggled with school and the schools were struggling with him. After a year of home school we tried public school again and then gave up and just went for the home school route permanently. Socially and emotionally he was making progress and last year when I spent two months in the hospital he stepped up to the plate and really grew up. One of the great joys of my life has been to see the truly wonderful relationship he now has with his Mom. When I hear them laughing together in the kitchen it is hard to believe that just a few years back he screamed at Karen, "You stupid fuckin' bitch." Mike is now off all meds and all counseling and really doing well but I still worried about school and getting his GED. A few months ago he just finally said, "Dad.....that's enough. Let me take the test and then we'll see what I have to do next." I agreed. I hoped he would pass a portion of it and then he would have a better feeling about what else we might need to work on and any special accommodations we might want to apply for. So he turned 19 on 11/25 and he took the GED on the 16th. Yesterday we got the results via computer at sister Connie's prior to our Christmas Eve supper. And he passed. He passed them all. He passed them all with some fine scores and on the first sitting and without special accommodations. I cannot tell you how proud of him we are. If he was graduating from Harvard with a PhD I could not be happier. I suppose most parents find that moment, that epiphany, with their children and even though we had it with Tris and could see a future for him, I feared Mike would never pull it together but he has..........and somehow in that moment yesterday my view of him changed completely. Now he is an adult...and he at least has a shot. Thank all of you who have been supportive of us and thanks for reading. I may stick this post on a couple of threads so if you find it have pity on this happy Dad and don't bitch! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: GUEST Date: 25 Dec 11 - 02:54 PM Great stories, everyone! Now I have one for you. One the regular visitors to the park and I were talking a few days ago. He told his oldest son (who is a priest) that he and his wife had all they needed, so not to get them anything. Dan's son took the money that he would have spent on his parents' gifts and used it to give a family that otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford it Christmas - tree, dinner, and presents. Then he called Dan and told him what he'd done. Dan told me, all teary-eyed, that it was the best present he's ever received. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: fat B****rd Date: 25 Dec 11 - 02:55 PM Thank you, Spaw. Take good care. Charlie. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: GUEST Date: 25 Dec 11 - 02:55 PM Oops! that was me, ranger1, without cookie (I gave it to Santa). |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: gnu Date: 25 Dec 11 - 03:56 PM Spaw... I have tears in my eyes. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: katlaughing Date: 25 Dec 11 - 07:03 PM Like I said, yesterday, "Congratulations, Michael!" And, should have added, you and Karen to that, too. You have ALL walked a long, hard road together and it is fantastic to see this come to fruition! From one GEDer to another, I couldn't be prouder, too! luvya'llkat |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: freda underhill Date: 25 Dec 11 - 09:09 PM Great news - what a wonderful thread. Love to all and keep the stories rolling! freda x |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: ChanteyLass Date: 25 Dec 11 - 11:15 PM Loving these new good news stories! I hope people will add others. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 26 Dec 11 - 01:22 AM I'll second that!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Arthur_itus Date: 26 Dec 11 - 02:32 AM I'll 3rd that |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: catspaw49 Date: 26 Dec 11 - 02:58 PM Thanks to all for the response and the PMs.........I'm still kinda' floating along..................I love this thread and the concept of this thread. We need this kind of thread! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: ranger1 Date: 26 Dec 11 - 04:07 PM Congrats to Michael and to you and Karen, Spaw. And on another note: We had Christmas and J-boy's dad's last night and it was made very special by Jason's brother Matt and his family being able to be there, too. It's been kind of a lean Christmas season for us financially, so I made Matt's little girls, aged 7 and 9, coupons that they can redeem for a special day with us, without the other sibling. The youngest was a little overwhelmed with everything going on (and a bit over-tired, too, I think) and wasn't really paying attention, but the older one was. As she opened the hand-made envelope (which she wants me to show her how to do) and read what was on the coupon, her face lit up with joy. I think that may have been the best Christmas present I got. |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: katlaughing Date: 27 Dec 11 - 11:10 AM That's really special, Tami. Your nieces are very lucky to have such thoughtful aunt and uncle! We had a few lean years when my kids would make up little coupons good for chores, etc. to help their grandma out. It was always one of her favourite things to receive and the children felt good about it to. I have another wonderful news story. Earlier this year, I was dying from an untreated medical condition. The day before my birthday in March, I had called a best friend in Wyoming. I was lonely, scared, not sure what to do. She had expert experience in some of what I was going through, so I called her for advice. I was devastated at her reaction. She was so down on the medical profession and, now, I know, also very fearful, that she just castigated me in the most horrible fashion. I had no energy and finally hung up on her. As far as I was concerned, she was no longer my friend and I would never speak to her again. Her terrible, judgemental words haunted me for weeks. I couldn't sleep, I kept thinking of what I would have said in refutation if I'd only been able to think clearly and quickly. For at least a month, I was constantly going over what was said, what could've been done, and asking Roger for his advice and support about the whole thing, besides going to the therapist a couple of times. Eventually, I wrote a letter to her which I just saved and never sent. Gradually I began to improve and I was able to let go the terrible pain of our parting, but every once in a while I would go back and reread my letter to her. This Christmas I almost sent her a card which I would simply sign, "We're still sisters," but I just couldn't bring myself to make the first step. I was still sad and hurt in my heart and, just a little bit stubborn because I felt she was much more at fault than I and that she should take the first step. One of her ex-boyfriends, who remains a best friend of hers, always sends me a Christmas card. He always writes, "Thanks for being a friend to XXXXX." This year I was dreading receiving his card. I thought I might have to write back and let him know I was no longer her friend. Those of you who know me well, know that I try to be as forgiving as possible and it is not a common thing for me to sever a friendship. Before I received his card this year, I received a card from her. In it, she had written the most heartfelt, insightful apology in which she bared her soul, revealing just how afraid she had been not only that she might lose me through death, but also fearful of her own vulnerabilities. She writes beautifully and what she wrote was directly from her heart. I would love to share some of it with you, but it really needs to be read as a whole and I feel it is too private for that. It is a most profound thing, though, and I hold it in my heart with joy and thankfulness. Just after I read it, I telephoned her. We spoke for over an hour, cleared the air, declared our love and support and, most importantly, our understanding of one another. She never expected to ever hear from me, and in fact had said so in her letter. Part of the healing I felt was in the pleasure my calling brought to her. I feel as though I have regained a very special sister–friend, something I had never hoped for. So that's it. It might not seem so spectacular and heart-wrenching as the other stories, but it is simply one of the best things to happen to me this year and I am gratefull. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: What wonderful news. From: Stilly River Sage Date: 27 Dec 11 - 11:20 AM Now that's a great gift, Kat! A friend and I spoke last night, after months of phone tag, and have arranged for a visit together in Arizona in the spring. It was 1996 when we last met face to face - amazing how time flies! Our conversation was for over 2.5 hours last night. Those kinds of calls leave you feeling refreshed. Tami, that's a wonderful gift for the girls - I remember how special it was to do things one on one with my aunts when I was growing up, even in adulthood. SRS |
