I'm new here and I have decided to undergo deep brain stimulation surgery to see if my condition will improve. I'm scared and I'm looking to talk to people who have had it done. What exercises were done during your surgery? How were you during recovery?

Odd, two days and no response.

Hopefully you have gotten some PM's on this. PM me what country you are in as I know of some specific references that I can pass along.

What are your biggest issues with PD? For me Sinemet & Comtan do a nice job in controlling my tremors, but as I wear off I have some time where it is not possible to hold a book or use they keyboard. Catch-22 is I don't want to increase current dosage on medications.

As I've increased my Rock Steady Boxing workouts it seems to have helped control the tremors. I actually read Gray Mountain this week... yahoo!

Hi DMQ and Tom,
Sorry for late reply.
I had DBS almost 12 yrs ago now and it never ceases to amaze me and feel grateful that this procedure can allow me to have such an improved q.o.l.
The procedure wasn't exactly easy but let staff know how you are doing and remember you're the star of the show and if you feel pain there's lots of people listening!
Do you mean regarding exercises during surgery what testing they get you to do?
Like finger tapping, speaking, smiling etc?
Thats what they get you to do during and then post-op.
Recovery was good for me, I had good support and was absolutely delighted in the improvement.
You might find some more replies on one of the DBS websites if you pose a question/s to them too.
Best wishes.

About a decade ago our provincial government did a study to justify more DBS procedures. Here is a link:
http://www.hqontario.ca/english/prov...dbs_030105.pdf

There are tons of details in this 56 page study. I believe that in the intervening 10 years many of the assumptions made were found to be true.

This surgeon is trying to drum up business but he makes a positive case for asleep DBS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i47FViy8dJg

Almost 2 years post op. Had a massive pulmonary embolism (twice) due to a DVT in the lower leg. Finally resolved but was touch and go for awhile.

The results have been extraordinary for me- essentially symptom free. I drive, work, hunt no problem.

I do have some speech deficits- a problem for about 60% of DBS patients (I think). The electrodes go near the speech center and to get the motor control I have to settle for slower speech and I speak a little more softly.

I'd do it again...