Helen,
I had DBS surgery four years ago and it's been a lifesaver for me.
In fact, except for my speech (impaired due to a faulty thalamotomy done prior to the DBS), one would be hard pressed to know I have PD. I am retired from work because of speech difficulties.
I'm 61 and was diagnosed with PD 14 years ago. I remain quite active by climbing nearby mountains several times a week.
Dr. Patrick Kelly did the surgery at New York University.
Let me know if you have questions..
George Bousliman
Helena, Montana
----- Original Message -----
From: Helen Coleman
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2002 10:35 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: new on board
I am new to this forrum but not to Parkinson's. More than 14 years ago
I was diagnosed as having Parkinso'n's when I went to my docor to see what
was causing all of the stiffness, feeling tired and many falls I'd been
taking and he said I most likely had had early stage parkinson's for at
least 3 or 4 years pryor to that.My doctor put me on Sinemet right away.
Like most people, as time went on, my little blue friends became less
effective and as soon as it was approved about 4 or 5 years ago he added
Mirapex, a miracle drug for me. We had tried many other drugs but none
nearly as effective.
All in all, even though my life style may have changed, I have done
most everything I wanted to do and did before except drive. My husband who
is my wonderful caregiver and very supportive family and friends have never
made me feel like a burden. I have found that people in general are very
kind and considerate even when I freeze and get in their way.
My biggest problem has been walking. Freezing and feeling sleepy
have been a bother and my biggest complaints until more than a year or so
ago dyskinesias set in in full force and it is getting worse.
I said all that to ask others what, short of surgery, they may have
done or taken for help in this area. After watching 60 minutes last night,
I'm beginning to wonder if Deep Brain Stimulation is what I need to
consider. My former Neur. tried to get me interested in having it done
several years ago but it was too soon.
I'd be vey intested in hearing from anyone who has had the procedure
and is willing to share how it is working for them. Thanks
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