DBS stimulator pros and cons

[surdug1]

Can you turn DBS stimulator Off and control it with medication as before surgery?

[Bondslave]

The answer is yes, to a degree, the main reason for most who have DBS surgery is because the medications are no longer working well and the side effects from the higher doses become another very large problem. One of the goals and benefits of DBS, is to be able to decrease the meds. I was able to reduce by 70% my daily doses, but over time the reduction is more like 50% (I am sure that there always the exceptions) One of the negative side effects was that by such a dramatic reduction I went through about 6weeks of withdrawals. I do not turn off my DBS unless I have to for an MRI and such, but when I do, I sure realize how beneficial it is and how much more difficult life would be without the DBS. It is not perfect, and it's definitely not a cure nor does it slow the progression of the Parkinson's, but I do think my overall quality of life is better with the DBS. I hope this info will be helpful for you and perhaps others.

I wish you the best and encourage you always to fight and not quit, I understand how tempting it can be to just climb in a hole somewhere and quit. Continue the fight, others are watching and strive to do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly before God.

Always be hopeful and strive to be a blessing to others not a curse. I know it can be a tall order a times, but it's worth the effort.

His Blessings.

[Sturge in reply to Bondslave]

Thank you for the encouraging words Bondslave....

[DjcP]

My husband has had pd for 14 years. He got DBS in July 2021 when sinemet stopping helping on the tremors. The DBS totally stopped his tremors so we never shut it off. He still takes his sinemet every three hours because when we cut back on it his balance became MUCH WORSE….. But we are please with the DBS and never shut it off because it’s working so well. Hope this helps you….

[surdug1 in reply to DjcP]

How many Sinemet he takes 8 times a day? Or you skip the night.

[DjcP in reply to surdug1]

He takes 2 every three hours starting at 6:30 am til 10:30 at night. He goes from 10:30 pm til 6:30 am with no pills.