[Jim091866]

WOW! Well I've made it past the first hurdle- leads implanted on Monday. For those who know what I'm talking about it makes a root canal look like a stubbed toe! But when they flip that switch after locating the target at the STN it was really something else! Surgery was scheduled for 11AM, ended up starting at 4PM due to prior cases scheduled and over runs! I got out at 830 that night and up to the floor. The next morning I was up and walking, had good effects from the surgery even though the generators were not implanted yet, my walking was closest to normal that I have had in years. If this is any clue to the rest of the trip I can't wait. My wife is not too happy though since I told her that I have to refrain from certain activities/appliances as in the washer/dryer, dishwasher, lawnmower, but I can still run the microwave and the TV remote!!

[buckeye]

That is wonderful to hear! Can we ask where you had your procedure performed at?

[chasmo]

glad to hear of your successful surgery. It should have been pain-free though. It's not neccessary to "grin and bear it"!! Tell your surgeon if you are feeling any pain.

Your honeymoon period usually lasts 3-4 days, and then your PD comes back with a vengance. Not to worry though, once you aree "up and running" you will feel as good as you do now.

Charlie, bi-lateral DBS-STN in 2002 at UCLA

[Jim091866]

Hey, my surgery was done at Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford, Florida. Chasmo, thanks for the heads up regarding the honeymoon period-I knew it was too good to be true, lol. Besides the drilling it was pretty much pain free, then again I didn't think there was too much they could do about that. Still I'd have to say it was worth it. don't want to again but it was worth it.

[vlhperry]

I had my double sided DBS in December of 2005 by a surgeon who had only done one patient on his own before he did me. With the new techniques, such as listening to the brain electrical sounds when placing the implants have improved the surgery by leaps and bounds. In a way the younger surgeons are more excited to use new technology.

Unfortunately, in less than a year, he moved back to Michigan where he received his training. I still have programming available to me.

Love,
Vicky

[Jim091866]

Since your DBS have you been evaluated by big brother? My biggest fear now is the impact this will have as to my degree of functioning, wether I'd still be eligible....HMMM. Probably way too early to worry about that.

[chasmo]

Originally Posted by Jim0918

Since your DBS have you been evaluated by big brother? My biggest fear now is the impact this will have as to my degree of functioning, wether I'd still be eligible....HMMM. Probably way too early to worry about that.

I got my SSDI after I got my DBS. I just showed them me at my worst.

you will find that you have changed bad symptoms for some lesser ones. While your DBS will improve the quality of your life, you will still have PD.

Charlie

[aftermathman]

this is a great thread and I am delighted to read about your excitement and optimism.

Somehow I seem only to have heard bad news re. DBS lately, so this is a really pleasant change.

Keep on rolling,
Neil.

[chasmo]

most DBS'ers are out living their lives and not posting!!!

Charlie

[proudest_mama]

Jim, Chasmo and Vicky ...

Thanks for giving everyone hope. I'm no where near needing DBS but that truly isn't the point ... the point is that we each have to have hope to get up each morning.

Perhaps I'm different than most. I really don't expect a cure around the corner. Instead I'm trying to keep one step ahead by knowing my options. If a cure comes in the meantime, it will be an added bonus.

Terri