 |
 |
Les I had bilateral DBS 4 years ago and it really controls my tremors. My fine motor skills are still shot, I have great difficulty speaking and walking. I don't take any PD meds, they only helped once. I've had PD about 11 years now and am 71 and live alone with help 2 days a week.. I had DBS at 67 figuring better sooner than later. Although from what I've heard DBS really helps tremors which you don't have (it is used also for essential tremor, dystonia and clinical depression), right now one List Member's wife is experiencing difficulty after DBS in July, her tremors are not better (unless things have taken a turn for the better). The difficult thing is, I don't think you'll know unless you do it. It is also critical to have a great neurosurgeon and programmer. You certainly don't need the stress you are experiencing. I got worse when my mom had a stroke in 2001 and I tried to help her. She died between my 2 DBSs, but since then I have kind of plateaued re symptoms, except for voice. I believe most DBSs result in positives, but there is always the chance things could be worse. Another List friend's mother did not do well with DBS. I can only wish you well and tell you it helped me. I don't know what kind of shape I'd be in by now without it. This is why I'm such a rabble rouser for research. DBS can be almost a miracle, but brain surgery while awake will never be routine treatment for PD. Ray Rayilyn Brown Board Member AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation [log in to unmask] ----- Original Message ----- From: "Les Combs" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 9:56 AM Subject: DBS - your experiences My neurologist has suggested DBS. I'm turning 60 next month. I have not developed tremors. I've a lot of stiffness especially in the jaw and tension in my left leg. Simple chores result in my back and I can only stand up doing them for only 5 or 10 minutes. I take my meds 5 to 6 times per day with relief usually only a couple of hours. I'm hoping part of it is just due to anxiety because my wife can't deal with the Parkinson's and wants a divorce. Those of you that have had DBS - what have your experiences been. Tell me the good and the bad. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn