Laura - you asked, "Have you considered entering the Phase III open label Duodopa trial?" I am excluded from any clinical trial because I participated in a surgical trial 11 years ago. However, my radar has been on Duodopa for some time now. It may not be quite as simple as I make it sound, but I understand that it works like an insulin pump fo r diabetics. In lieu of insulin, Duodopa is an intestinal gel that is continuousl y pumped via a peg tube (a tiny "port " in the gut.) I would MUCH rather try that before I resorted to drilling into my brain again.

I do feel that DBS is overrated, and I do not understand why. Yes, it has changed the quality of life for many, but the QOL has also been changed in the direction of worse more times than not (at least that is what I have observed). We're talking brain surgery!

I also have heard that Europe has been using Duodopa for several years, and the trial at UAB (Birmingham, AL) has nothing but good to say about it. I am making an appointment in Alabama ASAP. They may try to make me have DBS, but I will have to be dragged to the operating room!
Peg