Duodopa Pump

After my three nights spent in hospital, I was thrilled to be considered a good candidate for “Duodopa” - a Parkinson’s treatment that I had only recently become aware of. During my short hospital stay, the trial run proved how a patient can benefit, substantially improving one’s quality of life.

Three weeks later, I returned to the hospital and had a permanent “Peg line” surgically inserted. The Hospital were very good, and the surgeon told us the operation went well and considered minor surgery, I was allowed home the same day.

The following day, needless to say I felt pretty rough, but this was to be expected.  A nurse came to our house to show my husband how to change the dressing and explained how to look after the Peg Line.

So, I am now sporting a “Peg Line” which is attached to a pump, who has become my new best friend! It never leaves my side, and we go everywhere together. I was given several different vests, pouches and bags so that I have a variety of options. It does restrict one’s clothing a little. Although the pump weighs only half a kilo, you’d be surprised how heavy it becomes when you’ve been wearing it since 05:00 and only at 22:00 when I go to bed at night, am I detached from the pump.

I hope the manufacturers are working on a lighter weight pump. There is an amount of maintenance involved with flushing through the tubes at night before detaching one ‘self from the pump. Once a week, instead of using regular tap water, believe it or not, we were advised using regular Coco cola to flush through the tubes.

The pump runs on two regular AA batteries, so we had to get a stock of these in, as the batteries last exactly one week. Also 20 ml syringes are required for flushing the tubes. 
Whilst in hospital for the three nights, my husband was taught how to use the pump, and once at home I became comfortable with working it. Although I have to admit, at 05:00, I am not able to manage by myself.

Without the Duodopa and its pump, I seriously doubt I would have made it to my daughter’s wedding. Duodopa enabled me to walk down the aisle with my husband and daughter, who was a vision of beauty in an elegant long white bridal gown. The smiles of pure joy on the newlywed’s faces was simply precious as they danced the night away. My handsome husband dressed in his new suit, was smiling from ear to ear the entire evening.