Ken, generally it is when you have been responsive to PD meds, but they are 
no longer working.  In my case meds only worked once, but I had a PET scan 
from UCLA saying my brain was  "consistent with PD" or something like that. 
Also, I was 67 when my DBSs were done and I heard they prefer not to do them 
after age 70, but it depends on the person. Tremor was my worst symptom and 
DBS really helped that.  I still don't take any PD meds.
Ray
Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "kbachn" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: New Member


> Hi Sandra,
>
> i was diagnosed too at an early age (36), just wondering how you decided 
> to have a DBS only 4 yrs after dx.
> what conditions does one have to be in before a DBS is recommended?
>
> Regards, Ken
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "MyFirstname Mylastname" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 4:58 AM
> Subject: New Member
>
>
>> -
>>
>> Hello, I am a new member from Sydney Australia. I only found out about 
>> the site from the book "When Parkinson's Strikes Early".
>>
>> I was diagnosed in 2002 at age 35. My husband and I have 2 children. In 
>> 2006 I had deep brain stimulation surgery but it was unsuccessful and I 
>> suffered a stroke on the left side of my body.
>>
>> I have changed neurologists again and have finally found someone who 
>> wants to reduce my medication! I actually feel better with fewer side 
>> effects and sleep better.
>> He told me about "dopamine dysregulation syndrome" which I had not heard 
>> of before.
>>
>> I have been undergoing rehab and started with a personal trainer at the 
>> gym last February to strengthen the muscles on my left side of the body. 
>> I think the weight training has helped and the reduction in medication 
>> has almost eliminated my dyskinesias. I joined the gym after my diagnosis 
>> and attend Pilates classes regularly which help me to maintain my muscle 
>> flexibility and reduce stiffness (lots of stretches and can be adapted 
>> for different fitness levels).
>>
>> I still have limited use of my left hand but I can walk independently and 
>> can drive with a spinner-knob.
>>
>> I have gone through severe depression and a lot of personal trauma but I 
>> have been blessed with a loving family a great Parkinson's support group, 
>> supportive church community , some very supportive health professionals 
>> and a great driving instructor who have got me through the really dark 
>> times.
>>
>> So remember, never lose hope, there are lots of wonderful people out 
>> there who will help you - you just have to let them.
>>
>> I am always surprised at the kindness of complete strangers. There is a 
>> lot of travelling and a lot of things to be done so I want to do as much 
>> as I can while I can.  For those young-onset people who don't attend 
>> support group meetings - you should give it a go. They are really great 
>> and you can provide support to someone else too.
>>
>>
>> Thanks for letting me join your community.
>>
>> Sandra Way
>>
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