I am enjoyimg an incredible change since having my leads placed for DBS. I have been asked numerous times " Why hasn't MJF had this done?" Does anyone know? As far as I'm concerned this is IT, if you can get it don't wait. Tommorrow I get the generators placed. And just think, they haven't even turned it on yet!

And a warm welcome to the satisfied DBSer club!
MJF has me stumped too as to why he hasn't had it done.
I've read lots of speculation as to why but nothing concrete.
Cheers,
Lee

I have thought this for months (years) now, but I'm not just talking about MFJ. What about a mom of four ... not me! ... who was in her thirties when she was thrown this horrible curve ball. Well, heck, why not ALL of us?!

There has to be a catch, I just don't know what it is????? Help, opinions and thoughts much appreciated ...

It is possible (probable?) that having already had a surgical procedure of the brain to help relieve the symptoms of PD (pallidotomy, I think), he might not be a viable candidate for this procedure.
Or, like myself, being of similar age and history, he may just be "spooked" at the thought of such an invasive procedure, with all its possible problems (albeit, a low percentage).
Just a guess.
Keith

Hi Keith
The pallidotomy doesn't exclude him from DBS.
I either know or know of several PWP who've undergone both unilateral (like MJF) and bilateral pallidotomy then had DBS with success.
They too were a similar age to us.
Regards,
Lee

Glad to have you in the group of those having a DBS. I hope the rest of your journey goes as well as it has stated.

As for MJF, I may be wrong but I am sure I read that MJF had a thalamotomy which affects the same part of the brain as a DBS. A pallidotomy affects a totally different part of the brain thus allowing for a subsequent successful DBS.

It wouldn't be the first time I was wrong!!

Hello Jim,
I’m looking forward to following your progress. I met with my DBS surgeon last month. He told me I was an ideal candidate for the procedure as tremor is my main feature. He said they would do one side and if there were no complications they would do the other. The only wrinkle is that there is a year long waiting list. Oct 29 I go into hospital in Halifax NS, the Brain Centre, for a few days testing including a day with a neuro-psychologist, an MRI, a drug holiday and a meet and greet with the neuro-surgical team. Since you’re that much further ahead in the process it will be interesting to follow the play by play with the programmers etc. I met a man last week who has had his stimulator in for 5 years, and he looked great – no tremor, good gait. He told me he was going into hospital and I couldn’t help think to myself “what’s wrong?” And had to laugh when he said he was having his battery changed. Good luck with the throwing of the switch and the subsequent refinements! Guy

Well, the second surgery yesterday went well. I was discharged same day after placing the generators and "burying" the wires. I am still having a good lesion effect as they call it from the leads. Definitely a bit more sore with this one, obviously with all the stitches. Been really having to rely on the wife and daughters this time. I go back to the doc in 7 days to have the DBS turned on.

read it in our files section at Yahoo DBS Surgery group. Do NOT wear a hat. WAsh your hands with anti-bacterial soap everytime you go near a sink. There are many other good tips to avoid infections.

Charlie