DBS results please

[jombi]

Since I am beginniing to seriously consider DBS I would appreciate your comments regarding results, positive and negative,, and when and where was your surgery. Many thanks

[MacDoodle]

Me too please. Daunted by the prospect but frustrated by meds

[NevJ]

Hi jombi,

I had DBS 6 months ago, Medtronic device implanted while asleep, at Milpark hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. As the operation was done while I was asleep, it wasn’t particularly traumatic. The benefits were not apparent for the first three months or so, but now very noticeable. My tremor has almost disappeared, my rigidity is far less and my speech has improved (even though I was told that it wouldn’t). My balance got worse, but going to physio twice a week has helped. It has definitely been worthwhile for me.

[movinngroovin1]

UVA

Love mine. Had it done 6 years ago and I'm in the gym 4 days/week!

[jombi in reply to movinngroovin1]

So good to hear. I am in VA. Would you supply me with your surgeon's name?

[movinngroovin1 in reply to jombi]

Jeffrey Elias

[jombi in reply to movinngroovin1]

Thank you!

[Parkiewife]

Husband had his done 16 years ago at Medical University of South Carolina at age 40. He is still going strong. The procedure was in 2 phases. Phase 1, implant of lead wire from head to chest. Two weeks later, he was actually “hooked” up to the Medtronic generator (batteries implanted underneath the collar bone area). After surgery he was reduced from 16 dosages of medicine to 3.

Prior to surgery, he was experiencing severe rigidity (never had shaking pd). Whenever sinemet wore off, he would freeze in place (chairs, car, shower, etc).

Fast forward to today. Experiencing balance and voice issues, but this is basic parkinsons advancement. He stopped driving in March of this year.

D will do it all again. What a godsend it was for us! Blessings, Kathy. aka ParkieWife

[jombi in reply to Parkiewife]

Great news! Thanks

[Pauldmd]

I had mine done in 2008. My results were not typical, but I have been on no medication since. I was awake through the entire procedure because I was very curious about the process. There was no pain, only an odd sensation when they were drilling through my skull. I guess my family is right when they say I am dense. As they say in the financial world, past performance is no guarantee of future results. Just like Parkinson's disease, there was great variation it results but most of the people I know what had this done have been happy. It seems like an intimidating procedure but it is remarkably precise and surprisingly atraumatic.

[ktbate]

Just had my DBS done at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and had it turned on two weeks ago. Be sure to check out the new devices by Boston Scientific and Abbott. Medtronic has been around for 20 yrs. I chose Boston Sci. because of the newer technology, less side effects, etc. I was going to have it done asleep but the surgeon talked me into doing it awake the day before! I had only one day to freak out! It really wasn't that bad because you are semi- sedated. I had the transmitter installed while sedated the same day as the leads. It's only been 2 wks so I am not experiencing a lot of improvements yet. I know that the brain is very complicated and it takes months to get it programmed just right. That is the hard part for me. Waiting!