Deep Brain Stimulation

[Richter]

Thought about DBS? Please view my daughter's 7 minute video on my experience with Deep Brain Stimulation. (Spoiler: it worked!)

youtu.be/QjuoZhSv-XI(Not working as expected?)

Thanks, folks.

[billyroca]

Your father's a brave man, well done to him. thanks for making the video. It's definitely food for thought.

[Nitro53]

I echo billyroca Good for him. I did notice though that he still had tremor and also his head looked like they did more than just drill two quarter sized holes. Could you explain. I’m very interested. Thank you

[Astra7]

Very positive. So glad it worked so well.

[park_bear]

A good education on the effectiveness of DBS. Nicely done!

[rebtar]

Thanks! I'm nearby and also go to UCSF for treatment. It's good to see positive results from the DBS option. I'm not there yet, but in the future maybe. Congratulations on your good results and perseverance.

[Niggs]

So very pleased for you friend, thank you for sharing.

[MissionTBC]

Wonderful film - very inspiring. Lots to learn about DBS.

[wobblykev]

looks very positive thank you for sharing I am just the process of being considered for DBS and in all honesty it scares me to hell (drilling my BRAIN).

So video of brave people like your dad helps, could i ask how is he doing now.

[Jlloy5]

Wow. Thanks for sharing.

[jeffmayer]

absolutely incredible been thinking about it myself think you have convinced me all the best stay welli do cycle myself so I know the difference it can make

[Richter]

Mnay thanks for positive comments. But apparently I did not make this clear: my daughter made the film, I am the protagonist. My father died from a PD-related fall in 2015, age 88. Also I must state that I am no doctor and that any look at a DBS for PD site will remind you that we are all different. So don't even begin to think that your experience will necessarily resemble mine.

DBS involves drilling those famous holes in the head and then inserting fancy little electrodes or probes or whatever they are, which simulate the brain to produce dopamine. We also need batteries to power the device, which can be compared to a heart pacemaker. These are inserted under the skin of the chest.

Please don't ask me details of the device or the process. It's all over the internet. You could start by looking at the Deep Brain Stimulation discussions right here in Health Unlocked.

Still, comrades, DBS has been just wonderful for me.

--Richter

PS: Here is my DBS timeline:

RICHTER'S 2017 DBS TIMELINE

Sept. 26 DBS fitnesss tests (3)

Oct. 4 Pre-op w/ NP Monica

Oct. 5 brain operation: hosp. stay 2 days

Oct. 7 Home

Oct. 26 Battery Implant

Oct. 13 1st staples removal (Ow!)

Nov. 3 Second staples removal; initial generator adjustment

Nov. 29 Clinic postop.

Dec. 22 voltage check 1.9/ 4.1 Blew my mind!

[Sleeplessparki]

I had mine done on june 11th..... nothing short of a miracle!!