One of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make was if and when to have the surgical brain procedure for Parkinson’s Disease known as Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS. It was not an easy choice, but I am sooooo glad that I had the procedure because the results are miraculous.
How I got to this decision was a process that I thought may be helpful to share with others who are facing this choice. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013. I had tremors in the left hand for the first six months and within the first year, the tremors advanced to all my extremities. By 2014, I had balance and coordination problems and started to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The years rolled on and so did the challenges that come with Parkisnon’s. Eventually, I experienced severe tremors that simply would not respond to increased doses of various medicines. When Covid isolation became part of everyone’s life, I felt I already was living in isolation . I had to take a nap most days when I was simply too tired to get through a day. Part of the problem, I could not get a good night of sleep. During the night when I should have been sleeping, I was taking hot baths to relieve the shaking so I could get back to sleep. It was tiring just getting through a day of living. Something had to change.
For the past few years, I have considered DBS procedure since I knew of others who benefitted from it. Yet, I hesitated because I thought I should keep it as a last resort. The thought of electrodes being placed deep in the brain is frightening. It is a serious procedure and should not be taken lightly. I knew this, but I was ready to at least explore the option further.
Fortunately, Duke Hospital is a couple hours away and is well known for routinely performing DBS. My neurologist referred me to the neurosurgeon at Duke and he deemed me an excellent candidate for the procedure. I had done my research and was prepared with questions which the neurosurgeon answered completely. I was ready.
The date for the procedure was scheduled along with a follow-up surgery to implant the neurotransmitter pack which was placed just under the skin in the upper quadrant of my chest. One other appointment was scheduled with the neurologist who programs the transmitter to your portable phone-like device. All together, it was a four month process.
So here is the bottom line- it has been three months since the last appointment with my Duke team and I am doing great. I wonder why I did not do it sooner, but I realize it is an individual choice and each case of Parkinson’s is very different. For me, DBS was a life-changing procedure and I am like a new person who feels truly blessed to have had this treatment…..
If you would like further information, please refer to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Duke Hospital.
