May Milestones

“My path has not been determined. I shall have more experiences and pass many more milestones.”
Agnetha Faltskog

Significant personal milestones in my adulthood have occurred in May. These dates in May are forever branded in my brain:

May 19, 1972: Obtained my Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee

May 23, 1972: Immigrated to Canada

May 29, 1972: Began my career in Windsor, Ontario

May 11, 1974: Got married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

May 8, 1996: Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in Westminster, Colorado
See The Answer

May 4, 2005: Had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in Sacramento, California
See Uneventful Brain Surgery

May 5, 2006: After a year of programming sessions, the programmers finally admitted that “we can’t help you with this” or as I interpreted it, "this is as good as it gets."
See Get with the Program

May 31, 2006: Ended my career in Denver, Colorado because of Parkinson’s disability
See PD Went to Work

and It’s Not Working

May 14, 2007: Began DBS reprogramming sessions with Dr. Olga
See Get with the Reprogramming

Each event has its own story. But May 4, 2008 being the third anniversary of my DBS surgery, I’d like to reflect on the question that people eventually ask: “Would you have DBS over again?” Up until about a year ago, the answer would have been a definite “no.” In fact, I was the only person that I knew who wouldn’t do it over again. I longed for the positive benefits of DBS. I hated having the DBS system inside me and went to a neurosurgeon and asked for it to be removed. Shocked by my request, he referred me to the local expert on DBS programming, Dr. Olga.

Dr. Olga has a passion and knack for DBS programming. This DBS Wizard doesn't give up on her patients. Her compassion and competence has been inspiring.

Now my answer to the “Would you do it again?” question is “yes” providing a skilled DBS programmer is close at hand.

I look forward to many milestones to come.

Comments

[terri reinhart]

I love this, Kate! We just had our 29th wedding anniversary in May, so it's very special to us, too.
I think I'll start my own log of dates. I will apply for SSDI on Friday. I saw Dr. Leehey a week or so ago through one of the studies. She was wonderful! And she told me to apply NOW! So I am. I have great support now!

[Kate Kelsall]

Hi Terri,

Congrats on your 29th wedding anniversary.

After applying for SSDI, please share your wisdom with others.

Today is another May Milestone for me. On May 8, 1996, I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease.

All the best,
Kate

[Caleb Manscill]

Kate,

I've always been impressed with people that can remember important dates in their lives. I'm curious, do you keep a journal or do you just have an impeccable memory?

Sounds like Dr. Olga is a great DBS programmer. I'm looking forward to hearing more about this new route.

[Kate Kelsall]

Hi Caleb,

Thanks for your post.

I can remember 12 years ago today, the day of my PD diagnosis, as though it was yesterday. I remember walking home from the neurology appointment with the birds chirping (What were they so happy about anyway?), the ground squirrels squeeling, the sultry 85 degree weather and sobbing all the way home.

I wish I kept a journal so that I could have remembered more specifics.

It is easier for me to remember significant events, as compared to what I had for dinner last night.

PS Dr. Olga is a programmer with passion and compassion. I am blessed to have found her.

Kate