Hi Carolyn -
Thank you for addressing my question about whether other organs have been invaded or accessed for a sham operation, thus providing a group for those receiving the real treatment to compare results with.

Still, why can't they just compare people having the surgery with like people not having the surgery? Is the placebo effect so powerful that it can sustain an otherwise untreated patient in a healthy state for a significant period of time?

Thank you also for going through this operation. I hope everyone receiving the actual therapy does well. Meanwhile, it scares me to contemplate it for myself. Your bravery is admirable.

Ann