Cbs surgery

Am having psych evaluation next month for dbs surgery. Am feeling a bit apprehensive. Anything anyone could share? Anyone had the surgery?

[Hidden]

Dbs surgery actually

[etterus]

I have been evaluated twice. Both times I was told that I would benefit from the procedure. The main improvements were less dyskinesias and dystonia. It is on hold due to my high levels of depression and anxiety that have as yet not responded to psychiatric intervention. I'm too nuts for brain surgery!

[Pete-1 in reply to etterus]

I wonder what are the medics looking for in their assessment of whether or not DBS is suitable? And how can they tell - what diagnsotic tools do they use?

[Pete-1 in reply to Pete-1]

Hello Hikoi, thanks for the link. Very interesting. Going upon what they say in their paper indicates I might be a suitable case - one day - but it seems that only 10% are assessed as suitable overall so you need to be quite lucky to get that positive test outcome.

[Hikoi in reply to Pete-1]

Every country has it's own criteria Pete, this is one. (In UK it is probably the NICE guidelines)

mdc.mbi.ufl.edu/surgery/am-...

[quirkyme in reply to etterus]

I've led a depression group for years based on a Getting Your Life Back. There is a social and psychological component. There are 5 in all: physical, emotional, and spiritual make 5. (you can choose to concentrate on).

Also online resources. It's winter (here, at least) and it's a good time to 'work' on this and make progress. Depression has been my 'friend' since I was a kid and now I can manage it with low levels of anti-depressants. (Note, I'm here as partner of PD Patient). Journal writing can help even if you can't write. It can be done on computer or orally with a tape player. Maybe what you learn might help others. We're pulling for you!!!!

[Hidden in reply to etterus]

oh I'm so sorry about your anxiety levels - I DEFINITELY know what that's about!

[mikaele]

Ive had the surgery 2 yesrs ago, the worst part was the healing process.dramatically improved my condition.

[Hidden in reply to mikaele]

thank you

[Jash]

There is no way to prepare for testing. They are looking to see if the candidate has their thinking processes in tact-- that is no signs of dementia or other non reversible conditions. As my Neuro said, tongue in cheek, we kill off a few brain cells; we just want to be sure you have a few to spare. DBS has made a dramatic improvement in many parts of my life. There is a recovery process until programming is adjusted, but basically, you can function more normally every day and especially in public

[Hidden in reply to Jash]

thanks. it's a lot to take in but if it helps .....

[Kadie57]

I had the surgery, it gave me back my life!! It is been since April 2011 and it was a long surgery. I was awake, which was hard and in surgery 9 hrs.( some numbing sedation used) it a long road with evals to the final turning on and adjustments. IT HAS given me so much back that words are hard express how much this DBS did for the quality of my life. Yes there has been adjustment frustrations, this surgery DOES NOT stop PD it STOPS the shaking as it is designed to do, I opted for the rechargeable unit, I charge once a week while l watching an 1 hr TV show. the meds in the beginning were NONE then increase to more than I would like but it really works good together. You need to gather info, that arms you with knowledge which in turns allow you to decide what is best for you. Rich, Poor, Famous, Friends, & family Galore will not help. You must be able to take care of yourself, your meds and your machine. etc.Good luck / Gods grace and love it what has helped me during this long life journey! Take care and lets us know what you decide! Kadie

[Hidden in reply to Kadie57]

thank you Kadie!

[Susie01]

I have not had the surgery but have tried to stay informed in the chance that I might in the future. I am a member of a group on facebook, Deep Brain Stimulation Patients. It has been insightful for me to hear feedback from people who have had the surgery or are getting ready to undergo surgery. The moderator, Steve Chancy will also post some of the latest information. It was interesting for me to also find out that DBS is used for conditions other than PD.

[Hidden in reply to Susie01]

thanks, Susie, I will check the fb page out.

[salon]

i had my surgery in september i felt apprehensive even after my sister had it but now it has given my life back so please get all info you can but i highly recommend it . contaact me for input if you want .God Bless You.

Molly

[salon]

had surgery after my sister had hers i am so glad i did i highly urge you to go forward with it and God Bless

[shakey]

I went through all the testing and am now waiting to be scheduled for DBS surgery. I was surprised that I passed the test as my short term memory is not good, I had breast cancer a few years ago and chemo will really mess with your memory. I would say the test is mostly about memory they read a list of about 12 words and asked me to repeat them did the same with numbers, drawing shapes. Try to get a good night's rest try as best you can to stay calm. Personally, I always ask my friends and family to pray for me and I always ask God for his help. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[Hidden in reply to shakey]

thanks so much

[LauraL]

Believe me, you will wonder why you were ever so worried. I put off having the surgery until I became a grandmother and I couldn't feed the baby because my hand shook so bad that I was afraid of hurting the baby. I was only in the hospital for 24 hours and that was 4 years ago. Life is good.

[Hidden in reply to LauraL]

good to know! thank you

[dottie]

If you weren't apprehensive, I would worry I've had two and I would do it again in a flash.

Before you do it you must find the best programmer in the country. There are two. I will get you names and contact info after I talk with mine. She's in Denver, and is a genius.

[Sunnysky]

Hi VL Roark I am also considering DBS my evaluation is early in March the replies to your post all seem pretty positive let us all know how u get on Sunnysky