Don’s Parkinson miracle
Published: June 1, 2006
AT the push of a button, Don Plumpton’s life changed. He stopped shaking for the first time in 10 years. His Parkinson’s disease had been literally switched off.
Two neuro-transmitters inserted in his chest had activated two probes inserted in his brain.
‘‘My legs, arms and body stopped shaking and I had peace from the constant torment of Parkinson’s.
‘‘It was an overwhelming experience and indescribable joy and bliss just to be able to relax,’’ the 59 year old, who had been afflicted by the disease for 10 years, said this week.
Don’s wife Judith lived through the pain of seeing him deteriorate to the point of incapacity.
Jude has been so wonderful. I was shaking so badly that I couldn’t turn over in bed; she would help me,’’ he said.
The Parkinson’s meant his body was constantly in motion.
‘‘It was exhausting, the muscles were tight, you never relaxed,’’ Don said. ‘‘The disease was stronger on my right so my right calf for instance developed and was bigger than the left one.’’
As the disease hit harder, Don was forced to sell his financial consulting business in Cairns two years ago.
By then he was taking 11 control tablets a day but they were ineffective.They moved to Mackay where Judith has strong family ties.
There was now no alternative but a new surgery — a deep brain stimulation operation.
On March 30 this year surgeons activated the neuro-transmitters that had been inserted on each side of his chest. They powered two electrodes which had been implanted in his brain in an earlier operation.
Then that miraculous flick of a switch. The twitching stopped. Don could finally relax.
Only 700 people worldwide have had the procedure done.
‘‘Like all operations there was risk,’’ Don said.
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