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Ed Yeates reportingDoctors in Cleveland are amazed at what's happened to Peter Jensen since they experimentally implanted electrodes in his brain to stop the spasms of Tourette Syndrome.
You saw him on NBC's Dateline tonight. But wait until you see how far he's come.
In November of 2004 Peter Jensen suffered from physical and vocal tics. Spasms from Tourette Syndrome were so bad, he couldn't function. He weighed only 118 pounds. His body was wearing out.
Then, surgeons at the University Hospital in Cleveland, experimentally implanted a device that hopefully would interrupt the Tourette misfiring.
In August of 2005, he returned home to Cedar City - almost tic free - for the first time in 30 years. But speech and coordination were still off a bit, and he tired quickly.
So today, we returned for the fourth time to see how far Peter's come in the past year.
Peter Jensen: "I didn't really think I would live longer than 35 - just with how bad things were getting. And so, really, it's like having a rebirth of life."
The turnaround in Peter's life itself is almost as miraculous as the physical cure from Tourette. He's going back to Southern Utah University to finish his degree in engineering. Hands, feet, body - rock steady! Coordination - el primo!
In revisits to Cleveland - doctors can't believe it. He's now 95 percent symptom free. And only once in a while - what's left...
Peter Jensen: " I do do a few tics. I'll adjust my collar like this."
Gosh Peter, a lot of people do that.
The psychotic breakdown that hit him hard after surgery - that, in part, led to the impending divorce now between he and his wife. Those symptoms are NO MORE!
"I just feel at peace. For the first time, I feel at peace."
We remember Peter leaning at death's door almost three years ago. Now, all we see - is this!
To others with Tourette Syndrome who may be humiliated and misunderstood by others - like he was - Peter says never give up hope.
