Hey y’all,
It’s been quite a while since last I wrote. Lots going on, lots of fun stuff I could talk about … I’ll try not to do it all at once.
I am nearing the six year mark on the clinical trial I’ve been doing for the ABBVIE-951 project. What is ABBVIE-951? I’m glad you asked.
ABBVIE-951 is a system in which the two primary Parkinson’s Disease-fighting drugs (levodopa and carbidopa, in liquid form) are delivered via a pump subcutaneously (i.e., the pump pushes the liquid beneath the skin) continuously, 24/7. The pump flow is tailored for each individual user. It does not go through the digestive tract. Therefore, no complications of drug delays, etc.
I’m basically “on” all the time. IT’S AWESOME.
Now, that doesn’t mean I’m perfect. It means that I’ll be at the best point I can be at, given where I am with Parkinson’s.
The product was approved by European governments a year ago, and the USFDA approved it recently. They’ve got a few of us still left on the trial, keeping us going so (I’m speculating here) that they get more data on the effectiveness and anticipated longevity of the treatment. They also may be waiting to see how Medicare is going to handle it (if they do handle it).
The whole episode has been a blessing to me. I’m on and awake and moving well when I first wake up. I’m mostly alert throughout the day, though more and more I’m finding the need for naps.
Anwyay, just wanted to let y’all know I’m still alive (and kickin’).
See you.