For the last 2 weeks or longer, I have been struggling.
I have been dragging my feet, finding it difficult to walk, getting tired from walking, and not wanting to do everyday tasks such as cooking and cleaning and accounts...OK, Ok, more so than usual!
In that period of time, I have tried to soldier on as best as I can. A trip to Chadstone (Melbourne's largest shopping Mall) on my own, saw me sliding across the floors, and taking my car from one end to another. I drove, but made sure I was home by 3pm.
I have ridden my bike with an ever patient Ingrid, but it has been a struggle, and we have only gone 1/3 as far as we used to. Our short break to Halls Gap resulted in my husband hiking up the mountain with out me; I had no confidence.
I attributed all this to being either 'undermedicated' or 'underzapped'.
As my appointments with my neurologist are now 2 monthly, instead of fortnightly, I decided to wait for my early January appointment, and nut it out then.
Friday night I felt absolutely flat.
I discovered that my monitor read my device as flat, and watched the complete season of Downton Abbey Season 2 while I recharged it.
When it finally got to 100% recharge, I felt no better.
Looking at the monitor, I noticed the word "off" flashing...
Yep, the device was off, and has been for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer.
I turned it on and immediately felt a rush of electricity go through me.
Suddenly I felt great; completely different.
The prospect of going to a New Years Eve BBQ turned from an attitude of apathy to one of looking forward. I was back to my normal self. (whatever that is...)
A lesson is to be learnt here. The manual clearly states that one should check the device daily with the monitor. As I couldn't change my settings, (I presumed that the neuorlogist had set the perimeters so I couldn't), I didn't bother checking.
I must have pushed the gray 'Off" button, instead of the orange one next to it which displays information. This is easy to do as it is placed against the device, and I can't see what I am doing.
Anyway, all is good now...think I'll go sort out that linen cupboard that has been bugging me..
Happy New Year to all, may 2012 be a great one!
Karyn...glag to hear you're feeling better and finally figureing out what was wrong.now with you being a former english teacher.im going to help you to figure this malady out....ON means device is working...OFF means device isn't working....never...never...never....leave the OFF button ON....and never...never...never laeve the ON button OFF.....LOL....
ReplyDeleteI got intensely worried as I read your blog and was giggling by the end. It sounds like one of my humor stories. I am so glad you figured out how to re-electrify yourself. Can you come sort out my linen closet when you are done??
ReplyDeleteHI, Karyn,
ReplyDeleteAmazing how badly you felt with your machine turned off! Luckily you
discovered it- and are feeling better now.
Must be a relief.
Happy New Yea
X Yvonne
I got intensely worried as I read your blog and was giggling by the end. It sounds like one of my humor stories. I am so glad you figured out how to re-electrify yourself. Can you come sort out my linen closet when you are done??
ReplyDeleteYUMA BEV
wow! i started reading your blog with concern which turned to fear and trepidation. and then the big sigh of relief! so glad this story had a happy ending!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2012!
David, USA
This is great news! You didn't tell me when I spoke to you yesterday. I saw Miriam today and even mentioned it to her, as I was concerned that the DBS was "wearing off" already. Actually she was really surprised too that you weren't responding as well, as she said the DBS usually is very effective for a long period of time.
ReplyDeleteSo now the answer is self evident!
love Jacky
SO glad you found the on/off button. What a shame you had to go through 2 weeks of hell, but thank goodness you found out what's wrong! Enjoy clearing out the cupboard. As pathetic as it may sound to those who are blessed with good health, managing a simple task like this when one has PD can gives great satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteElaine Benton
Just found your blog tonight, and read everything from the beginning up through now. THANK YOU for your journaling your experiences -- so helpful for those of us about to begin the DBS journey. Please keep posting periodically.
ReplyDelete