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Thanks, John, for this update on DBS. In our desperation to rid ourselves of PD's horrible symptoms, many have turned to DBS (the article said over 25,000 since approval last year by Medicare). I wonder if that number included those who had to return to the operating table for infection, reinsertion of the pacemaker, rejection and subsequent removal of the "hardware," or battery changes? I personally know of several such cases. This therapy is a godsend for many - but should be carefully considered. There are risks (high risks!) involved such as mentioned above. But there are likewise high risks in having PD! For example: Falls Contractures of hands, arms, feet, and/or legs High rate of divorce & other family problems Unemployment of patients and uninsurable cases Mental problems (e.g. depression, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, etc) Greatly reduced quality of life Suicide or suicidal tendencies increased And on and on and on . . . By ALL means, look for a well-qualified neurosurgeon. The problem that I see is with Medicare's approval came a free license for any John Q. Public, MD to "practice" on people's brain. Be careful when choosing both your surgeon and your hospital facility. And remember, IT'S NOT A CURE! There isn't one . . . YET! Be informed! Read about it from several perspectives: Medtronic site (from the company's perspective) http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/parkinsons/activa_qa.html Re-Wired for Life (from the patients' perspective) http://www.rewiredforlife.org/ NPF's "Ask the Surgeon:" (from the professional's perspective) http://www.parkinson.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=108269&ct=89596 One Patient/Caregiver perspective: http://www.parkinson.org/site/apps/s/content.asp?c=9dJFJLPwB&b=108269&ct=132059 Peggy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn