After a full year of prodding from neurologists, problems with meds, fear, loathing, research, hope, and 9 evaluation appointments, I have been offered the opportunity to have a Deep Brain Stimulation system implanted. With the blessings of my parents, my children, and Mrs. Fading Angler, I have decided to accept the offer. The image at the right should give you an idea of what's involved in the procedure, and perhaps why it took me so long to make up my mind.
The procedure is scheduled for late April at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. I am fortunate to live only about 3 hours away from Mayo, as they are rated by some as the best neurosurgery center in the nation.
Lots to do between now and then. But first, I'm going to put my boots in some trout streams and annoy some trout this weekend. Check
Instagram for photos.
Good luck wherever you decide to fish!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eddie. Good to see you at the Film Fest in River Falls on Friday evening! I did OK on the Rush River and some small tributaries. I love fishing confluences. :)
DeleteChris, I applaud you for making this very tough decision. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family. Now, get out and get your feet wet!
ReplyDeleteBoots got wet, feet stayed dry. Many dozens of trout were annoyed.
DeleteThanks for all your support during this process.
Chris, my thoughts and prayers. BTW...did insurance cover the "wading model"?
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure it's a wet-safe system. Mrs. Fading Angler is concerned that I might hack the patient programmer device and end up twitching on the floor. "Hi, I need to bring my genius husband in for a reboot..."
DeleteYou always have to tinker....at least a little. :)
DeleteChris, what a remarkable opportunity a head of you. My best wishes for you and your family that all goes well and you receive the ultimate in benefit from your procedure.
ReplyDeleteIt is remarkable indeed, Mel. Thank you. Next, I'm signing up for the bionic eyes so I can see the tippet when I'm trying to tie on a griffith's gnat or a size 20 zebra midge!
DeleteWow Chris.
ReplyDeleteOnly positive thoughts for you.
Alan, I'd be lying if I said I'm not say ing "Wow" myself almost every day. Thanks for the positive thoughts.
DeleteSpeaking of thoughts, immediately thought of you when I pulled a nice brookie out of a skinny Wisconsin stream on Saturday. More red spots that I've ever seen on a single brook trout.
I was born and raised in Rochester and have had first hand experience with Mayo. They do amazing things. I'll save my story but believe me, you'll be in good hands. Good luck and God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing other people's stories. As a patient and a parent of a kid who's spent far too much time in a hospital, I've found sharing to be therapeutic and helpful.
DeleteWe (my family) do indeed feel fortunate that we ended up with the Mayo Clinic. We've found that they've lived up to their reputation, at least as far as the neurology team is concerned!
Thank you for the kind words and for stopping here. I appreciate it!