It is hard to believe that it has been three years since I had the life-changing procedure for Parkinson’s Disease, known as Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS. For those of you suffering from the multitude of signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, you have most likely thought about this intervention to help curtail the daily effects of this disease. It took me many years before I decided to at least explore the possibilities of having electrodes placed in my brain. After having the procedure done three years ago, I can honestly say that it was absolutely the right thing for me.
Prior to having DBS, my tremors were so intense that I could no longer hold a fork, a spoon or a knife, I could not type. I could not hold a pen or pencil. I could not do any of my hobbies, such as playing musical instruments, knitting or crocheting, or making miniatures. I could not even sign my name. Something had to be done…..
I researched the pros and cons of DBS and found that the risks were few compared to the many benefits I could gain. So I went for it…. Three years ago, my husband and I took the trip to Duke Hospital where I confidently had a wonderful team of neurosurgeons, led by Dr. Dennis Turner, conduct the life-changing DBS procedure. After follow-up appointments for placing the transmitter in my chest and meeting with the neurologist to learn how to program everything, we were all set.
As I reflect on the entire experience, I recall what Dr. Turner said to me at one of my first appointments, “DBS will not cure Parkinson’s, but it will change your life for the better.” Truer words were never spoken.
Art image from Pinterest