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As told by Judy Gilbert, RN My father, Gayle E. Knutson, has a long history of tremors causing daily challenges with eating, reading a newspaper and writing. He now has to sign his name with two hands. Dad has had the tremor since age 22, so he has adapted well over the years. But as a nurse and daughter it is still hard for me to watch him struggle.
 My parents live in a small town in northwestern Wisconsin. Dad has always worked hard—he’s been a farmer most of his life and now at age 73, works part time at a furniture store. He has also taken up the game of pool at the senior center, which he enjoys. The other players tolerate his multiple touches to the pool ball.
In the past, I’ve told him about deep brain stimulation (DBS), a type of treatment that has helped some patients with movement disorders improve their quality of life. Recently, he called me on a Wednesday and asked if I could get him an appointment for Monday since he and my mother were making a visit to us on Sunday. I knew this was about impossible, but this is my dad and I needed to try.
So first thing the next morning, I left Dr. [Greg] Fischer (medical director for the Neuroscience Center) a phone message, but later found out he was not in the office that day. I was at home Friday morning and was pleasantly surprised to receive a phone call from Dr. Fischer offering an office visit for Monday afternoon. Needless to say, I was thrilled!
My parents were at the clinic on Monday and after Dr. Fischer examined my father, Dr. Fischer offered a visit with neurosurgeon Dr. [Yannick] Grenier. Within five minutes Dr. Grenier was visiting with my parents.
Ultimately, my father opted not to have the DBS treatment. He says, “it’s my brain,” and the thought was unsettling. He feels he is able to live with his tremor as he has for many years. But my parents were so impressed with the care and compassion given to them. There was no rush and they had all their questions answered.
My parents are so pleased. I am very proud of Gundersen Lutheran and the care we provide.
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