We have had to delay our fall trip to Georgia because of some health procedures that I am having this fall. In the midst of tests being held at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver to determine if I am a candidate for having the DBS surgery (Deep Brain Stimulus surgery), the surgeon told us about a research study that is going on now at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. After two days of extensive testing, I was told that I am an excellent candidate for both the DBS and also for this exciting study! (I think “excellent candidate” means I failed enough to pass!)  There were only two places left in the study and two others were applying for a place on this study team. After much prayer and research, we decided that I could not pass up this opportunity to join this exciting study for people with PD.

Without going into more lengthy and technical explanation, this is a study of a new investigational method of trying to increase GABA in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) of the brain. My surgery for this has been scheduled for October 8, although I will have even more tests before my scheduled surgery. There are 40 participants in this study at up to 10 sites across the US. One half will be part of a placebo group. We are hoping that I will get the surgery at this time, but at the end of the study, all participants will have opportunity to have the procedure.

Your prayers are so very much appreciated!