After 35 years of struggle, a man drinks a glass of water thanks to groundbreaking surgery

For 35 long years, Neville Waterstorm couldn’t perform the simple act of drinking a glass of water without trembling. A life filled with such limitations is hard to imagine, but a remarkable medical breakthrough has changed everything for him. Thanks to an incision-free surgery performed at Gold Coast University Hospital in Australia, Neville’s tremors have subsided, allowing him to experience an everyday task that most people take for granted.

Labor MP Shannon Fentiman shared the emotional moment on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Neville’s joy was evident as he lifted a glass of water without trembling. “Neville couldn't drink a glass of water for 35 years. Watch that all change thanks to a groundbreaking incision-less surgery at Gold Coast University Hospital,” Fentiman posted.

Gold Coast University Hospital is the first public hospital in Australia to offer this pioneering surgery for essential tremors. Using advanced MRI technology, the procedure targets and disrupts abnormal brain activity that causes the tremors. This innovative approach is providing hope for patients like Neville, whose lives have been severely impacted by the condition.

Neville expressed his gratitude and joy in the X video, recalling the moment he first noticed the change. “That very first moment I came out of the MRI and they put a glass of water in front of me,” he said through tears of happiness. “For 35 years I've never ever been able to drink that glass of water… The changes it has made in my life since then are numerous. The thanks that I feel, the appreciation for the doctors, the hospital, and the government for funding something that's changed my life is endless.”

He further shared how the procedure has revolutionized his daily life. “It’s been incredibly difficult to do even simple tasks like feeding myself, and drinking out of a glass was just not a possibility. I haven’t been able to write properly for at least 20 years, and now – it’s just amazing. I can drink a glass of water again, and this is just one hour after the procedure.”

The hospital proudly showcased Neville’s progress on their Instagram page, highlighting how the 74-year-old could now hold a pen to draw a neat spiral and drink from a glass without spilling. The transformation is not only a testament to medical innovation but also a beacon of hope for others suffering from essential tremors.

In their post, the hospital wrote, “We are so proud to be supporting treatments and outcomes like this. Helping to change lives and help deliver the best possible patient experiences is what drives us every day. Thank you to the community for your continued support.”

The online community was deeply moved by Neville’s story. “Yes, but can he please wipe my tears away too because now I’m crying, damnit Neville,” wrote one user, @miss_nou82. Another, @mobiddiction, added, “Truly a miracle!!! God bless all the doctors, nursing, and admin staff who make such miracles come true. Thank you for sharing.”

Neville’s experience is a poignant reminder of the privileges many of us overlook daily. For him, something as simple as drinking a glass of water is now a cherished gift, a moment of triumph that took 35 years to achieve.

This article was originally published on August 20, 2024. It has since been updated.