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So what are these changes , dont keep us in the DARK I need some changes as my benefit from the op 2 years ago is gradually deminishing and my doctor has made many adjustments with out a great deal of progress. ----- Original Message ----- From: Dick Swindler <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, December 30, 1999 01:54 Subject: Benefits of DBS > For those who have had DBS or are considering it, I thought I'd pass along > Dick's interesting experience. His condition has deteriorated lately, with > much more freezing, falling, bradykinesia, cognitive changes, etc. He had > his stimulator checked yesterday - it was fine, after more than four years in > place. No battery problems, etc. The nurse-clinician in charge of > programming simply input a couple of changes in the programming, and he was > suddenly much better. At that point, the freezing seems to have stopped > completely. He was also much more alert. The nurse was surprised at his > extreme degree of rigidiity when he came in, but that, too, responded greatly > to stimulator programming changes. > > He had bilateral pallidal stimulations, which target dyskinesia, but do seem > to help tremor, too. (His tremor is entirely gone). Pallidal stim is not > supposed to have any effect whatsoever on freezing, though. That's why we > were surprised and pleased to find that the right programming put a stop to > the freezing immediately. > > Some of you may remember my writing about the study Dick participated in > three years ago, which proved by means of PET scan that he functions much > better mentally when his stimulator is on. We were happy to find that a > minor change in programming of the stimulator improved his mental alertness > this time, too. > > We're thrilled to know that further modifications in the programming will > probably continue to be of benefit as his condition progresses, and thought > those of you who have recently had DBS, or are considering it, would like to > hear of our experience. > > Margie Swindler, cg for Dick, 55/18 >