UK father Damien Gath received a new chance at life following a remarkable breakthrough treatment that helped manage his Parkinson’s disease.
Gath was one of the first patients in the UK to be fitted with a portable pump that gradually releases the newly available drug Produodopa throughout the day to help manage symptoms, according to NHS England.
Produodopa or Foslevodopa-Foscarbidopa is a continuous infusion therapy recommended for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease who experience severe changes in their movement abilities, and for whom standard Parkinson’s medications no longer offer sufficient relief.
An extraordinary video captured Gath making himself a cup of coffee inside his kitchen before and after the treatment.
Before beginning treatment with the breakthrough drug, Gath’s wife recorded the 52-year-old struggling to stir his drink as his tremors and other symptoms made it difficult for him to grab the spoon and remain in place.
Days later, Gath, was walking around the kitchen with ease.
He grabbed milk from the refrigerator and poured it into his mug before he stirred the drink without any issues, as the water bottle-sized pump hung on his belt.
Gath, who was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s 12 years ago, has been under the care of Sherwood Forest Hospitals since 2016 and received his first Produodopa treatment in July, according to the English healthcare system.
“It’s been extraordinary and life-changing – the massive difference is that there are now no fluctuations,” Gath said of the treatment. “So soon after first having the treatment I was able to make a cup of coffee more easily and go to the supermarket.”
He started the new treatment after his condition worsened and he was taking four separate oral drugs six times a day in an attempt to control the involuntary movements that made everyday activities a challenge.
“The massive difference is that there are now no fluctuations” he explained, as the treatment has also given him a better night’s sleep.
“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.”
Gath says he was in considerable pain at night and unable to sleep or roll over before taking Produodopa.
The effects of the oral drugs were reduced during the night causing significant fluctuations in his condition.
The infusion treatment, which Gath has been trained to administer himself, provides the patient with minimal fluctuations, a common experience with oral drugs.
The patient can also administer an additional dose when needed.
Produodopa is currently only available in the UK and the European Union, according to the Movement Disorders Clinic.
Gath isn’t the only one grateful for the breakthrough drug, as his wife says the couple can do more activities together.
“We have always tried to continue to do normal everyday things like going out for a meal,” Amanda Gath said “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,” she added.
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
