DBS

[Jerebet]

DBS - Tell me about your experience. My Doc has suggested I look into it.

[JeanieBeanie]

My husband had DBS in 2005. It greatly improved his tremor but unfortunately ruined his walking. This is rare apparently. A lot more DBS ops have been done since. Maybe it depends on the Neurosurgeon doing it. I would certainly try to speak to a Parkinsons nurse specialising in DBS who works for the hospital where you would have it done.

[emptynestantique]

My husband is 59, diagnosed 3 years ago. He had severe tremors (which is what is suppose to be best treated by DBS). We had the surgery done this time last year at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tn. We are really not sure if it worked. We have definitely been disappointed and even the neurologist that was there and works with us after surgery has agreed that they might have done the wrong procedure (there are two) for his symptoms. Hard to tell if he is more improved as you tend to forget how bad he was?? The purpose was so that he could have less meds and less "off" between meds and we have definitely NOT been able to reduce the meds. The surgery normally reduces the quality and volume of their voice and THAT sure did happen. Otherwise we can't really see any "worse than before" behavior.

[movinngroovin]

lovin' life had it done on Nov.4th this year!!

[etterus]

I'm having it this week so I will report after the programming starts 2-4 weeks from now.

[vivace1017]

I had DBS phase one (double implants in brain) on Oct.15 this year with computer module implant on November 7. First surgery was rough. I'm in the Boston Scientific Vercise study, so the programming won't be optimized for my specific needs until February. I'm pretty certain I'm in the "control group" which gets only a low dose, intermittent. It's driving me crazy, but the time when I can tell that the device is on, I feel pretty amazing. I have a feeling this is going to be one of the best steps I've taken...but waiting for the controlled study period is tough. Talk about delayed gratification!!

Incidentally, I had my surgery at Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salrm, NC. Their Movement Disirders Team is fabulous.

[Jerebet]

Thank you everyone.