My recent reprogramming has definitely improved matters – I can now leave my neurostimulator switched on all night without it causing me to thrash around and shout out in my sleep, and the troubling dyskinesia, with which I had been suffering, is now a distant memory. Tremor has been creeping back, though, and I decide to increase the voltage on both sides to see if it can be moderated without causing any side effects. Joseph (at the NHNN) has given me a bit more control over my device: I am now able to adjust the voltage by 0.6v above and below the settings that he programmed into my device in steps of 0.05v which gives me a wide range of adjustment. I left hospital on Tuesday with my device delivering 1.5v to my left side, and 2.5v to my right. I increase the voltage by 0.1v on both sides (now 1.6v on the left and 2.6v on the right) and feel an immediate reduction in tremor. I’ll let things settle and see how my tremor is at the end of the day.
I go about my daily routine. The dog takes me for a walk – it’s a sunny morning and no great hardship. I load the dishwasher and switch it on. Bring in the washing from the washing line, and replace it with the next load from the washing machine. I’m definitely feeling a bit more motivated than I have been, and suspect this is due to the increased stimulation.
I take the dog for her afternoon walk, and then go to the allotment to check on the weeds and pick some strawberries. There are a few broad beans as well, so we can have those with our dinner tonight.
I chuck a couple of lamb shanks in the oven and prepare some veg – new potatoes, carrots and the broad beans from the allotment. While everything is cooking I manage to make a start on the ironing! Definitely more motivated!
I still have a fair bit of tremor on both sides, so whack the voltage up another 0.1v on both sides (1.7v left, 2.7v right). Again, the reduction in tremor is instantly noticeable. No immediate side effects – I’ll keep a close eye on things, because they tend to creep up on you! In the meantime, a little self-medication is in order…