relaxing during DBS

What did you do to relax and lower your anxiety during the long DBS procedure?

[Hidden]

You mean you are awake while they work on you? Why is that necessary?

You had Anxiety ? Yea, I guess you would so.

I am not sure I can do that.

You are a better man than me Gunga Din. My hat is off to you.

I am really very interested in hearing the answers to this one. Thanks very much for posting the question.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I haven't had the surgery yet--it is scheduled for Monday. The reason they say the patient has to be awake is to be able to respond to questions and movements. They also tell me it is a 5 hour surgery. I hope they have cartoons or something to watch on a tv. ha-ha

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Woops, Well good luck Siak, I hope it goes well for you. I don't know why I thought it was done already . I was not helpful sorry. I hope you get a lot of answers . I am very interested in them . 5 hours ? I have to look into this much deeper. Please tell us after the surgery about the experience and how your PD has changed . I wish you good health .

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I will let you know. I have only heard good things about it but I still feel very apprehensive. I hope I can remain courageous, because right now I sure don't feel courageous.

[etterus]

I'm scheduled for 12-8 to be done under full anesthesia at Oregon Health Science University. They have a new technique that utilizes a small ct scan in the OR that is matched to previously performed MRI... is very accurate and quicker.

[Hidden in reply to etterus]

You are very lucky-- I wish you the best . Mine is tomorrow , fully awake.

[JohnPepper]

Hi siak. I don't know about DBS but two weeks ago I was in the dentist's chair having root canal treatment, and while he was drilling away at those three roots in the molar, I fell asleep! Now how's that for relaxation?

John

[Hidden in reply to JohnPepper]

I was also having root canal work last week. Unfortunately I forgot to take my PD medication before I left home and hadn't time to go back for it. When I told the dentist she said, 'I suppose you'll be bouncing off the walls.' I think she was genuinely worried but actually I found her comment quite funny. There are not that many funny moments with PD, so I thought I'd share that one.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes I think most people don't know that Parkinson's makes you unable to move. I would love to be "bouncing off the walls" instead of frozen in place. It is amazing to me that even though Parkinson's affects millions of people, most unaffected people have no clue about it.

[laglag in reply to Hidden]

You are correct, most people don't have a clue. I'm trying to figure out a way to better inform the public to hopefully help people get diagnosed faster; therefore getting the needed exercise & meds sooner so they don't suffer as long. Hopefully I'll get this done by April (PD awareness month). As far as siak, good luck & maybe they could give you some Xanex? I've had 3 friends that have had DBS lately & they all are glad they did it.

[srarndt]

I brought in my favorite repertoire of stupid brain surgery jokes, kept most of the surgical team groaning and chuckling, and focused the otherwise unoccupied brain parts on the "Magical Mystery Tour" the anesthesiologist was so deftly administering - better than any trip I've done before or since... sweet!

[Hidden in reply to srarndt]

what were they giving you? I was told I couldn't have any anesthesia.

[srarndt in reply to Hidden]

They did use some combination of drugs that kept me conscious enough to reply to any of the questions they asked me during the procedure, yet so incredibly comfortable!

[movinngroovin]

I Just had a DBS device implanted on 115/14-choos eyoru docortr wisely someone who does it all of the time is the ticket. I love Dr. Jeff Et UVA

[Gridless]

I had a choice when I had the DBS surgery done at UCSF. I could do it the old way where you had to be awake and get it done completed in one day or be put to sleep with a MRI assisted surgery, but this method will be spit into two surgical procedure. I chose the new MRI assisted method and I was happy with the results. No pain and I did not have to worry about being awake for the surgery.

[earthdweller]

siak, how did it go? I hope it went well for you, and you make a quick recovery.

[Hidden in reply to earthdweller]

I am in the hospital now, the next day after my DBS surgery. I had an anxiety attack in pre-op and the doc said I didn't have to have the surgery now. But I said I wouldn't come back if I waited . When I went in, I was very scared but the surgeon and everyone else said I did remarkably well. They said I seemed calm, but I wasn't. Today is fine and I am going home today. The worst part of it all was the long procedure without any drugs; Time really dragged. It is too early to know if it has helped yet. I will keep you posted.

[earthdweller]

I'm glad you're feeling ok. It does sound very stressful indeed, you did really well. I hope that over time you find that it has helped you.

[vivace1017]

I had dbs phase one (both sides) surgery on 10/15/14. Fully awake. Computer module implant was last Friday. Stimulation begins next Monday. So currently, I'm dealing with the aftermath of the surgery without any of the benefits. It has been by far the toughest thing I've ever experienced. I believe it would have helped me if I had known more details about what to expect. I had an anxiety attack in the middle of surgery. It did help that I had my iPod, but that was a last minute inclusion, so my play lists were not ready. It IS a fearsome surgery, but talk with your surgeon about as many details as you can tolerate (including use of a catheter!) Ahead of time.