Is DBS good idea while PD still moderate?

[jackedmonston]

Age 75, diagnosed 5 years ago. Score 41 out of 199 in UPDRS test. Went to new PD doc (old one moved) who said that even though my motor symptoms are still moderate and on one side, I would be good candidate for DBS. I thought that treatment was reserved for people in later stages. Anyone have any insight on this?

[ion_ion]

I know the same like you. Why you should have dbs if not needed?

p.s. you posted this four times; to eliminate confusion ,please, delete the other three posts.

[jackedmonston in reply to ion_ion]

I do not know how it got posted four times, nor do I know how to delete, altho I'd be happy to.

[parkie13 in reply to jackedmonston]

Hit the little arrow next to the like box it's going to say delete on the drop-down menu

[Hikoi]

Had you thought of dbs as an option before he mentioned it? There could be a number of reasons he could be suggesting it but I would wonder what motivated that suggestion.

Its an expensive op - does he stand to benefit financially if you had it? Have your symptoms progressed quickly and if not is he expecting them to accelerate (unlikely to happen)

There is some research supporting dong DBS earlier rather than later so that may be behind his suggestion. You need to weigh it up with the potential dangers ( from a bleed / stroke to speech problems and others) against benefits. .

[ancee]

I think I'd do some thought and research. I was 76 when I had it and I don't have any way to compare, but my balance is shot. I fall a lot.

[NRyan]

well....one thought is that you don't want brain surgery at 80. I think you would be hard pressed to find a Dr. that would do it at that age. Average life expectancy in US is 78. On the other hand...you may never need DBS in your lifetime...your PD may stay moderate. Lots to consider....including all the risks and potential unwelcomed side effects.

[Bailey_Texas]

I would try all meds that i could and be in a wheelchair before i would consider letting someone cut on my brain. Meds can control 95% of most symptoms for years. I am in my 12th year and meds still work for me. I am 64.

[Hidden in reply to Bailey_Texas]

Hello, what meds are you on? How have you progressed? I was diagnosed 13 months ago but noticed symptoms 3 years ago,

[Bailey_Texas in reply to Hidden]

Hello Skme

Sorry about the long answer but here goes.

My Dr tells me I have a mild case of PD. I am not sure if that is true or not. To me when i am off my meds or they fail to work for some reason it don't feel mild to me. For progression i don't know how to judge it. When i was diagnosed my only problem was not arm swing. It is why i went to the DR. I stopped my meds a few months ago i could barely walk my hands for stiff and unuseable my legs hurt deep down to the bone. I was bent over and could hardly straighten up. I also have anxiety and depression but it comes and goes. If i avoid stressful things i do ok. But if i stay on my meds i am as could as gold. Of course i have down times but i can live with them. I am only down a couple of hours a day. I have had a lot of side effects over the years some that put in th er but only because at the time i did not know what was happening. I still have a few but very mild ones.

Now for the meds. I have a high tolerance for meds and i am able to take a very large dose which is 3 25/100 C/L and 1 50/200 C/L er every 4 hours 6 times a day. (24/7). I also take 2 6 mg Requip 24 hour release in the morning. I exercise daily. The best advice i can give you is to find a good DR that you like. Try all types and doses of meds you never know what will work for you and exercise the most you can and then do some more there is no such thing as too much exercise. I do crossfit.

Good luck

[jackedmonston in reply to Hidden]

Timed release cardidopa/levodopa (50/200 3x), dissolvable C/L one x, rorpinerole, increasing to 3 tabs per day, and rasagiline (1x). 5 years since diagnosis....progress is moderate...exercise every day.