Again, I recommend Scripps Clinic, La Jolla. People come from all over the
world to Scripps. Dr. Waltz, however, might be considered to be too old,
even though he is/was head of neurosurgery at age 73 in 2003 when I had my
DBSs.
I never asked him how many DBSs he had done. I only had so many choices
anyway. Lived in Murietta/Temecula area (Inland "Empire") I hoped I would
die on the table, but here I am!!
You might also want to check out UCSD - University of California San Diego,
although my Mom backed out of surgery for tic
doloreaux (trigeminal neueralgia) when the young doc who was going to
"assist" yawned during our interview.
There is a neurosurgeon whose name escapes me you DON'T WANT. He used to
do DBSs out of Loma Linda, but was dropped from their staff.
I probably would be dead now if I hadn't had the DBSs. Those tremors were
getting impossible!! That is what DBS is really good for, also essential
tremor. DBS is also being used for clinical depression and I think that may
be why I am never depressed, although some might conclude I have reason to
be. DBS for clinical depression targets a different area of the brain than
the STN.
Good luck, Ray
----- Original Message -----
From: "Eugene Gascay" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, March 17, 2007 1:35 PM
Subject: Re: DBS in S. CA
Nick, lived in Riverside California which is between Corona and San
Bernardino. I spent quite a bit of time checking out the surgery route
since several neurologists recommended that I have that done.
I contacted individuals at the City of Hope, US Irvine, USC, Loma
Linda,and UCLA. Everyone was happy to have me as a patient but I found
that there wasn't a viable center where that tytpe of surgery ws was
done. One chair of a department recommended that a colleague of his do
the work. When I asked how many operations of this type he had done,
the chair replied that I would number 6. Needless to say I walked
out. Another neuro at USC said that unless my quality of live was
seriously impaired, he would not recommend DBS. Since moving to
Tennessee in 2004 I was examined at Vanderbilt and was told that I
would not benefit very much from the surgery. Even though I have no
immediate plans for DBS, I have developed the following guidelines
for use when the time might come.
1. The doctors involved should be a part of a team working in a
Center that concentrates on D BS. This means active research
projects, funding, and a good reputation.
2. The surgical team should have done many such surgeries. I
would
feel uncomfortable with less that 200 but that figure needs to be
placed in a context of how many are being done each week.
week.
Obviously the more the better.
3 I would talk with several patients who have been treated by
the
doctor who will do your surgery. You must have unqualified
recommendations. Don't be a statistic just to satisfy someone's ego.
4. I am a Christian and would prefer someone who prays for me and
is concerned with my soul as well as my body. However, I believe the
Lord works through other talented individuals as well.
So make your decision based on specific criteria
that you and God
talk about. Our Lord is not afraid give a specific sign.
5. Remember, there are many potentially dangerous side effects
that
must be weighed very carefully. But don't take council with your
fears. Do your homework. Then trust God, he will not forsake
you
but will give you peace.
I hope these few words have been helpful,
Gene
On Mar 17, 2007, at 4:52 AM, Nick wrote:
> I would like to talk to anyone who has had DBS done in S. CA.
>
> My wife, 15 yrs PD, is looking to have this operation. UCLA seems like
> a good site, but...
>
> Nick
> Caregiver for Wan
>
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