After talking myself out of having DBS for 15 years, I no longer can say the acronym stands for "Don't believe so."

Unless I get cold feet between now and Monday, we will drive the 5-hour drive to Vanderbilt in Nashville and begin the first of three surgical procedures as required by Vandy's DBS (deep brain stimulation) protocol on Tuesday morning at the crack of dawn.

Why have I procrastinated so long? Because I could. Why don't I wait for something less invasive? Because I can't. You see, the fall revealed worsening of my spinal stenosis, having already had two cervical fusion operations

It all started a few months ago when I fell. I don't fall everyday or several times a day like some of you do, but I "almost" fall everyday, and my body is becoming permanently twisted and distorted due to dyskinesia and dystonia. We may never know, but we assume that the dyskinesia and its resulting dystonia are due my 20-year regime of dopamine replacement therapy. Scientist are pretty sure that the culprit is Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa), and these side effects can often be worse than Parkinson's itself.

So if you believe in divine intervention, put it in "start" position. If you prefer sending thoughts, good vibes, or karma - I will accept that, too.
My next surgery will be November 4, when they implant all of the DBS hardware.

OK EVERYBODY - circle up for a group hug!

Peg

Peggy,

Best of luck for a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. You couldn't have picked a better place to be treated.

My thoughts will be with you,

Gary

Best of luck Peggy I'm with you as regards leaving it as long as possible, however it does seem that "when it works, it really works"

Neil.

Best of luck to you! I will send good thoughts your way on Monday.

Peggy, best of luck. I'm headed soon for DBS as well. Pretty scary, but like you I've reached a point of misery where I gotta try it. I was already scheduled for DBS surgery last Thursday, but then decided to consider a trial study that I was offered for a new device. What type are you doing? Please keep us posted on outcome. My friend had it not long ago, awaiting his 2nd surgery now, but so far so good.

In retrospect, my PD symptoms started somewhere between 10 to 30 years ago, but I was finally diagnosed about 9 years ago. I waited to start on C/L for 2+ years, but it gave me dystonia (spasms, muscle cramps) almost immediately, which has only worsened with time. Plus it never did much to help my terrible tremor. Here's hoping, for both of us!

l feel that I have personally known you for so many years and both know that not to be true but the connection is there and what I hope for you in this life is that that I wish for myself.

Now ain't that good writing how about the spelling teach will wait for correction when you recover from this scourge of Paarkinsons.

And you will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best wishes hoping all goes well.

Peggy,

I hope this operation will bring about the best possible results in alleviating your PD symptoms. Big hug.

Peg, you won't regret it. It's not perfect but it sure helps A LOT! Good luck! I just had my battery changed (had DBS 5 years ago).

You'll do fine. Here's a great sales job. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47FViy8dJg