What to expect from DBS

[Beckey]

My doctor is recommending DBS. I'm terrified. What does it feel like? How long is recovery? I live alone and I'm nervous about being discharged too soon, as hospitals seem so anxious to do these days. Do you have to be awake or do they knock you out?

[amigo77]

They sleep you and you go home the next day of the surgery. But it does help a lot my mom got it. After 30 years with Parkinson's and she is doing very we'll she's 71. There's is some very good explain videos on you tube. About the dbs

[movinngroovin]

The first surgery takes a bit longer because the DBS Device is implanted in your chest & you are totally knocked out for this. All I can say now is that with the proper tuning person, I am a new person!! I love my DBS-without it I am a mess. Call Medtronic & ask for a mentor or just ask them questions. They are very helpful!

[Beckey in reply to movinngroovin]

I will! thanks so much, amigo and movin.

[Kadie57]

I have had DBS it is a long road but I feel the best thing I ever did for myself and my Parkinson. I DON'T SHAKE anymore which is a gift. I was doing double time inside and outside. I was exhausted.

Since you have so many questions, Has your doctor only ask you about having DBS ?You will be provided info and then you ask your questions. Don't think to hard or over think everything LOL I do that to my self way to much. Upsetting your self just makes the Parkinson worse.

You will probably be asleep through the surgery. You will stay at the hospital as long as you need. (with in reason) It takes awhile to adjust ever thing, Just don't expect to much to fast. Our expectations can be a huge down fall.

You will not be able to be alone and will need some assistance for surgery appointments, and after care appointments, ( adjusting feds etc) DO you have some great friends who can take turns helping??

Take care and lets hear from you, good people here to help with info.

[Beckey in reply to Kadie57]

Thanks, you're a dear! This is invaluable information.

[etterus]

I also have had the surgery and it has been a life changer. I was not tremor dominate but had very troublesome dyskinesias and dystonias I my feet. It was much worse at night... I would crawl to the toilet to sit and pee with little success 4-5 times. I still know that I have a progressive disorder but it is much less threatening.

I would check the surgeons experience with this procedure. Also does he perform the full anesthesia technique? The recovery is quicker because it is much faster and less disruptive of tissue. Good luck!

[Beckey]

Wow. Thank you.

[djbk1111]

I had the surgery 5 years ago. My dystonia and balance issues had gotten to the point where I was freezing and falling frequently. Now, thanks to the surgery and a pretty good exercise regimen (including boxing!), while I can't say that these issues are completely gone, they are substantially better.

One other thing: it's really important to get a good doc (who may or may not be your neurosurgeon or even your neurologist) to do the follow-ups and adjustments to your settings. I am lucky enough to have Dr, Tagliati, who is sort of a DBS guru, to do this for me (he's at Cedars Sinai in L.A.). He was neither my surgeon nor my neurologist, but my neurologist actually recommended him, so Dr. T. is now my regular PD doc (i.e., neurologist).

I hope this is helpful.

[Beckey in reply to djbk1111]

It's hugely helpful. I'm impressed in particular that the improvement appears to be holding true five years later. Thanks, "DJ."