DBS plans on hold due to possible nocebo ... - Cure Parkinson's

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DBS plans on hold due to possible nocebo effects... I'm too crazy for brain surgery.

etterus profile image
12 Replies

I have recently been processed with off-on testing and neuro-psychologist eval for DBS. My neurologist stated that I need to see a psychiatrist before they will schedule the procedure due to my anxiety depression issues fearing that I may be disappointed by the outcome. She further related that my anxiety levels could produce a nocebo effect... the inverse of the placebo.

Although I am not excited about having the procedure, I'm distressed knowing that I am currently too crazy for them to proceed. I am hoping that there is a successful psychiatric intervention.

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etterus profile image
etterus
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12 Replies
ccobroussard profile image
ccobroussard

it recently had dbs surgery and I passed the neuro-psych testing and listen to the drs. even though I passed the neuro-psych, I was hit by a serious depressed mood about 10 days after the surgery and it was horrible. it also messes with your mind having something foreign in your body. take your time and get the intervention. you will be glad you did and I am sure it won't take long to get the procedure going again. My prayers are going out to you.

soup profile image
soup

What you describe isn't crazy.

You have yet another set of Parkinson's symptoms which an be addressed by medication and/or counselling. I agree with ccobtoussard as above.

Best wishes,

Sue

lovedogs profile image
lovedogs

The Doctors where my husband had his DBS, Has a process called Fast Track. All disiinplinaries including examines with PT, OT, physc, neurosurogen, congnative functioning, physocgist are incliuded. This helps patient an all who are involved in surgery. Check out university of fl. For information

quirkyme profile image
quirkyme

don't take the psych eval personally. The link between psychiatry and neurology is narrowing. Dr. Joseph Friedman at Butler (Psychiatric) hospital in RI, is working on just that. He's an expert in PD working at a psychiatric hospital. There is no stigma to this. It's just medicine as usual.

Anxiety/depression are very common, IMO, in PD. (My husband is the patient and I'm his CG). He lost confidence and took the diagnosis hard. Everyday is a chance to move forward, though. But PD robs people of the will to start new things or see things through. Congratulations on getting this far with the pre-testing. I would say, move forward. The pre-testing is important but nobody can predict how you will respond. Work on being optimistic/having hope.

etterus profile image
etterus

Thanks to all. I'm using the term " crazy" for a little humour. I talk to myself frequently acknowledging the fact that it's dopamine deficiency that is the culprit. We are all wired uniquely plus the different realities that we experience through life creates the present.

Being optimistic with hope is mandatory.... as is acceptance. The challenge for me is to develop the art of losing without suffering.

chidainer profile image
chidainer

I had DBS about a month ago, I didn't have a neuro-psych evaluation. I had previously suffered from anxiety and depression, no signs of anxiety , but I'm going thru a major depressive mood the last five or six days. Going to see the Doc in a couple of days, n hopefully he'll give me the green light to get back to the gym, that has always helped me with the depression. Still, I would do it over again in a heartbeat, I'm on half the meds and my tremors are almost all gone.

-Roberto.

Lolitalola profile image
Lolitalola

Not a good candidate to many things

Going on.

Had to retire (disability) 27 yrs stress was not

Helping my Parkie.

Divorcing cannot comment. All I can say is

I was ready to walk away not anymore in ca

It's all comunity property yrs married 14. I stayed

Too long in the marriage. And when you have

Property and a difficult spouse it's a challenge.

It all shall pass hopefully soon.

The last reason I have no family in CA. However I have

Been blessed with very good friends:

Live life, love, and dance away

Your troubles . Life is too short

Lolitalola

Pete-1 profile image
Pete-1

Hello Etterus,

I notice it is 2 years since you posted of your fear regarding DBS surgery.

I was just wondering if you had the DBS operation carried out and if so how has it all proceeded since?

Pete-1

etterus profile image
etterus

Pete I had the surgery last Decmember. It was not bad at all. I just came back from a family reunion and was told over and over how much better I appeared to all. I should have insisted on getting the procedure done earlier. The longer you wait the less there is to work with.

Pelley profile image
Pelley

Your just a statistic on their wall chart etterus!

Cookie1124 profile image
Cookie1124

All candidates as far as I know are sent for neuropsychological testing before being accepted for DBS surgery. They look for dementia , which would disqualify you , and unrealistic expectations.Depression./anxiety are common PD symptoms and will not disqualify you for DBS.You are not too crazy. The fact that you are giving this intense consideration proves that you are NOT crazy.

etterus profile image
etterus in reply toCookie1124

Greetings Cookie. I appreciate your interest and response Next week will be my 3rd anniversary. I will probably post an update with the pertinent high lights.

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