Erika,
I have had DBS and have had no change in my GI symptoms- I never had significant constipation only some esophageal reflux which has not changed since surgery.
Also of course Joe is correct that another major source of dopamine is the adrenals which have been used in experiments implanting tissue from a persons adrenals into their brains (unsuccessfully).
And Erika- That is what makes research into the human body so fascinating and difficult. Imagine the few people who can truly comprehend all of what is known about PD or any other disease and still have the humanity left enough to treat patients and understand their needs. They often wind up overworked and therefore don't have the time to spend with us- making them appear cold and insensitive. It is hard to balance, especially if you consider managed care pressures and hospital and organizational politics. Try and imagine a generalist caring for many diseases and keeping up on all of them. It is virtually impossible.
It is food for thought as well as a major problem IMHO.
Charlie
----- Original Message -----
From: John Lawley
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 1999 10:04 AM
Subject: Brain, gut and DBS
Hi all,
Very interesting posts thanks Hans and Charles. The human body never ceases to amaze me.
Just when we think we get a bit of a handle on its workings, up turns a whole new(for me) fascinating angle of looking at it.
>Gastrointestinal effects of PD attributable to the enteric system's
>involvement in the disease include reflux, delayed gastric
>emptying, and decreased motility. Swallowing difficulties and
>constipation, which have aspects falling under both voluntary and
>involuntary control, may be the result of PD in both the brain and
>the ENS.
Since it appears that the dopamine produced in the Enteric Nervous System is largely responsible for the functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract:
Does this mean that DBS does not affect this?
Has anyone on the list who has DBS noticed any difference in gastrointestinal effects?
I am particularly interested to hear if constipation has eased after DBS.
Anyone care to comment?
Erika.
BTW has anyone heard from Janet? I miss her and hope she is well.
