Astonishing video footage released by NHS England reveals how an innovative new treatment for Parkinson’s disease has remarkably improved a father’s life.
Derbyshire dad Damien Gath, 52, who has been fighting Parkinson’s disease for over a decade, was struggling with severe involuntary movements that complicated simple daily tasks. Taking four different oral medications six times a day wasn’t enough to prevent excruciating pain and sleepless nights caused by his condition dramatically worsening at night.
Damien turned a corner last week when he began treatment with an advanced infusion therapy known as Prouodopa, which is administered subcutaneously through a portable pump for those with late-stage Parkinson’s disease. Following the infusion therapy, Damien experienced a transformative effect on his quality of life; he exclaimed: “It’s been extraordinary and life-changing just shortly after first having the treatment I was able to make a cup of coffee more easily and go to the supermarket.”
NHS England’s Instagram account featured the heartwarming video, capturing the momentous improvement in Damien’s ability to make a cup of tea, thanks to his wife Amanda’s filming before and after the treatment. Since its posting on Monday, August 5, the video has garnered over 91,000 likes, illustrating the profound impact this breakthrough therapy has had on one individual’s everyday existence.
Members of the public have been expressing their elation over Damien’s story, with one person commenting: “Wow that’s incredible. My dad had parkinsons. I wish he had this available when he was alive,” while another shared: “Incredible! ! And props to Damien and Amanda for letting the story be told – all power and positivity to you! ” A third remarked: “Amazing, this is proof that the NHS is one of the most precious things.”
Since Damien started self-administering infusion therapy at home, his life has seen a remarkable turnaround.
“The massive difference is that there are now no fluctuations. I am also sleeping much better and the duvet doesn’t feel like a ton weight on my legs I can turn over when I want to,” he explained.
Amanda, his wife, reflected on their past struggles, saying: “We have always tried to continue to do normal everyday things like going out for a meal. But sometimes it was difficult to deal with the lack of understanding from people around you and that made me very protective of Damien.”
“Now, we are just like any other couple enjoying themselves.”
Produodopa is delivered through continuous infusion therapy, which eliminates the peaks and troughs associated with oral Parkinson’s medications. This portable system allows for a steady flow of medication, offering superior control over symptoms.
Patients suffering from advanced Parkinson’s disease now have a beacon of hope as Sherwood Forest Hospital introduces the revolutionary Produodopa treatment. This innovative therapy targets those who struggle with severe movement changes and for whom traditional medications have ceased to provide relief.
Damien, a patient at the hospital, can administer an extra dose of this new medication as necessary, giving him unprecedented control over his debilitating condition.
The hospital’s teams have been commended for their rapid deployment of Produodopa following its NHS approval, prioritising immediate patient access.
SFH’s Consultant Geriatrician and Parkinson’s Service Lead, Dr Nishantha Silva, remarked: “We are proud to be the first Trust in the East Midlands to offer this and aim to build on this success by expanding access to Produodopa, ensuring that more patients can experience its benefits, providing our patients with the highest quality of care and latest treatment options.”
He further celebrated the introduction of Produodopa as a groundbreaking advancement in the realm of Parkinson’s management, stating: “The successful implementation of Produodopa at SFH heralds a new era in the management of advanced Parkinson’s disease.”
