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Thank you all for your kind words of welcome, and for your appreciative comments concerning our responses to the questions asked in this forum. I wish to caution everyone that our experiences were, from what I've been able to ascertain, a fluke. Please do not take our comments to mean that no one should go for the operation. As mentioned, I know many people who've done very well with it. For that matter, when David was in rehab, another man who'd also had DBS was in the unit with him. The other man did very, very well. He was out of rehab w/n a few days. Don't forget that David had already been ill with PD for at least 35 years, that his psych/intellectual profile identified him as "at risk," that he hadn't been eating properly, was very sedentary, and was becoming dehydrated. We did not really understand how important the patient's physical health (regardless of the PD) would ultimately be to the outcome of the operation. We were duly cautioned by the surgeon as to the psych implications, but, as stated, we "...had no place to go" due to David's almost complete lack of balance. Knowing what I now know, I'd say that DBS surgery is worthwhile, but is better done sooner than later, to give maximum quality of life while the PWP has a clearer intellect. To wait longer will mean that life will not be as enjoyable as it could be for as long as possible; also, if a psych profile prior to the surgery identifies the PWP as "at risk," the way David was, I would caution against the surgery. However, if this isn't the case, if balance is an issue and/or the PWP is suffering with annoying and debilitating dyskinesias, I'd say, "Go for it!" Just be sure that, as for any elective surgery, the patient is well-built-up with good eating habits, possibly vitamins (which I believe in), regular exercise, and is appropriately hydrated. If the PWP is anywhere near NY City, or is willing to travel there, I'd like to recommend our magnificent neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Kaplitt. He's in New York Presbyterian Hospital. His phone # is (212) 746-4966. He also has an awesome nurse-practitioner named Kristin. She's just wonderful, kind, extremely knowledgable, compassionate, and works hand-in-glove with Michael. Her direct phone is (212) 746-2926 [And, if anyone does contact either of them, please be sure to say that David and Beverly Bashe send their love!!!]. By the way, Dr. Kaplitt is also a pioneer in the field of gene replacement therapy! Something else to check out.... Bev and David ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn