Hi Mike

Welcome

I'm not American ,so I havent a clue about Cleveland Clinic nor your neuro / surgical team, but i have had dbs-stn in March 2005 and would be happy to try to answer your questions if I can.I'm 45 (diagnosed 1996) my "life" pre dbs was more a matter of trying to make it to the end of each day in one piece than "living" . DBS has meant for me, no dyskinesia, greatly reduced meds and no on/ offs. It has quite literally changed my life. As for the actual procedure I have to admit i had no pain except for the IPG incisions, which was remedied with an over the counter pain relief preparation.
If you have specific questions you are concerned about this is the place to ask them...the people on this forum are caring and are very generous with their knowledge and experience of PD & DBS.
Good luck with your preliminary examinations, and your decision

Cheers
Cate