most states that I am aware of, Medicare will pay for the procedure.

Very little downtime in my experience, you do NOT want to do any heavy lifting or sweating into your incisions though.
As Cate says, you'll know when you are ready for a DBS.

The point I want to make is that surgical expertise is of UTMOST importance!!
There are more than a few surgeons out there who have NO business performing DBS-STN's which is the most difficult target area to hit. As far as adverse events go, I know of 4 people who have died. 3 of those were due to surgical screwups and 1 was due to a DVT.
SO in terms of risk, DBS ranks right up there with appendectomies or gall bladder surgery
Many have not lost a patient in recent years.

There is a good double-blinded study that concludes that DBS is a better way to control Parkinsonian symptoms. The median result is an 80% increase in on time and a 50% reduction in meds. I have NO offtimes and cut out amentadine, tasmar, mirapex entirely and went to 400 mgs of sinemet down from 2250 mgs.

As you all know, I am a BIG proponent of DBS. It is NOT for everyone though. I think for the vast majority it is our best alternative. I would again reinterate the absolute necessity for a competent team to do it. Even if you have to travel some.

MKane, I cannot answer your questions, we're all unique. Your prospective surgical team can advise you on these matters. I will say that a good programmer is worth their weight in gold.

I can speak for myself that I went back to work two weeks after my second side was done.

I'd plan on taking it easy for 3 weeks after your surgery.
If you are considering a DBS join my group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/DBSsurgery/

there is a wealth of info there.
Charlie