[Judith]

I have an online support group with members from different parts of the world. Two of my members have spoken with a man who has a most unusual story to tell. He asked that we post his story in hope of finding someone else with a similar experience. He is an active member in a Portuguese Parkinson support group and is known by my friends, so I feel that I can trust that the story is true.

The following quote is from one of my members, also from Portugal (with edits for English syntax):

Carlos, from Portugal, was diagnosed with PD 20 years ago, when he was 30 years old. He had DBS surgery October 2003. He had some serious post-op complications (brain hemorrhage) that left him with some language difficulties and mobility problems with his left leg. Despite all this, he did experience significant improvement in his PD symptoms (severe dyskinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity).

Nothing new at this point, you are probably thinking... but 2 weeks ago he woke up speaking clearly! Out of nowhere! Just like that! But the story doesn't end here.

Meanwhile he went to see his neurologist for a check-up appointment only to find out that he was "disconnected!" Yes his DBS “device” was “off”! And his speech was great…and his mobility…and his bladder control…everything! He even improved his golf handicap!!! lol. He says he can’t remember feeling so well. Can you believe this? Well, his doctors couldn’t understand it either and next week he’ll be admitted in the hospital to run some tests. He will be a “case study”. He’s now taking half of the meds he was taking two weeks ago, he’s “disconnected” and he’s still feeling a great improvement on his PD symptoms.

Have you ever heard of something like this? Please let me know what you think cause we are trying to find a similar case.

Thank you

Another member of my group communicated with Carlos via email. He said, "About the improvement of my golf is true! Everybody was surprised with my game in the last few days, because I do the “swing” much better. As the “follow through,” I send my arms in front, and because of that the ball has more distance. I have real fear of my situation, because if it goes back…"

J-