i need to hear from people who have had dbs i am considering it i am scared but need relief from my symptoms my sister had it .

[salon]

[Thumbpick]

I had DBS in 2010 and it gave me my life back. My ID is Thumbpick, and I wrote a lengthy blog about it here: parkinsonsmovement.healthun...

If you have specific questions, let me know.

[chomps44]

I had DBS in 2008 and it gave me my life back also. It wasn't a breeze but I believe I am one of the lucky ones I did not have to be awake thru my surgery like some have had to. I was not nervous at all I had many people pray for me and then I put everything in God's hands. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. If you have any questions about the surgery feel free to ask me also. My prayers are with you. chomps44

[rch21]

My neurologist recommended that I consider this a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading a lot about it and there are some good recent studies conducted over some time that really demonstrate its effectiveness. There is also a fairly current book (2012) that gives a great deal of information on all aspects of the process that has relieved some of my anxiety about it called "Deep Brain Stimulation - A New Life for People With Parkinson's, Dystonia, and Essential Tremor: by Chou, Parag and Patil. Good luck.

[rch21]

My neurologist recommended that I consider this a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading a lot about it and there are some good recent studies conducted over some time that really demonstrate its effectiveness. There is also a fairly current book (2012) that gives a great deal of information on all aspects of the process that has relieved some of my anxiety about it called "Deep Brain Stimulation - A New Life for People With Parkinson's, Dystonia, and Essential Tremor: by Chou, Parag and Patil. Good luck.

[rch21]

My neurologist recommended that I consider this a couple of weeks ago. I have been reading a lot about it and there are some good recent studies conducted over some time that really demonstrate its effectiveness. There is also a fairly current book (2012) that gives a great deal of information on all aspects of the process that has relieved some of my anxiety about it called "Deep Brain Stimulation - A New Life for People With Parkinson's, Dystonia, and Essential Tremor: by Chou, Parag and Patil. Good luck.

[jonroberts]

I had DBS surgery last May and June . It was very successful. My attitude was "Break on Through to the Other Side!". My symptoms were progressing fast. I prepared for the surgery and turned everything to God. I hope you have a post DBS surgery exercise program. I had a 2 month outpatient therapy program. Have faith and trust in God.

[ccobroussard]

I had DBS on March 27, of this year and I am feeling great. Made a huge difference. Had stimulator turned on April 26 and that is still being tweaked but it has already made a great difference and I would do it again in a minute.

[mjc0827]

DBS, 2007 and my wife 2009. It was a game changer for my wife and I. Yes, we both have PD. It isn't as scary as you may think but you must understand and ask questions of your Neurologist and Surgeon. Knowing what to expect is power. [e-mail]

[Koko]

Look around the various university medical centers. I checked out Maryland and they have a psychiatrist meet with you before surgery and he/she is there in the surgery room during the procedure. I checked at the University of Irvine and they have a machine that will allow the patient to sleep and not be awake during the process (validity is excellent). I have really enjoyed the information I can get from Universities.

[etterus]

I have just. Completed work up at OHSU in Portland ORr for full anesthesia DBS. It is only 2 hours and just as effective. See if is available near you.

[silvestrov]

Fortunately my PD is under control using over the counter supplements. FYI you should read the following abstract about how NeuroResearch treated a PD patient who had all the traditional therapies failed and doctors suggested he go for DBS. Basically, without surgery, they gave him his life back by using a balanced approach to amino acid management. Sure it involves lots of pills but no surgery is required: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

In the abstract they spell out why L dopa therapy (always) fails and it is a great read.