Jim,

As a 17 yesr PD veteran and one with DBS this is what I've learned.

You need a team approach with a great MDS (programmer) and DBS neurosurgeon. They must talk to you and to each other. My first DBS in April 2007 worked for awhile then quitl. I wasn't able to reduce meds at all. In September 2008 I had a second to put in an additional lead. It has worked beautifully. I dropped back on meds and the surgeon did the programming right in the OR. Of course he was on speaker phone to the MDS at the time. I agree with going to a major university teaching hospital. I've never felt rushed at Hopkins and they all walk on water as far as I'm concerned. Never have I had an insurance issue with them either. Several years ago I tried Comtan and had terrible side effects. Prior to the second DBS I was on three different meds 5 times per day. Now I'm on only Sinemet 3 times per day. A savings to me of over $1,700/month.

Good luck and keep trying until something works.

Mary