Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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Brain & Nervous System
/ Parkinson's Disease Support Group

DBS Surgery

AElfsDottir
AElfsDottir
I would like to know if there are ANY women that have tried the DBS surgery, and how it is working for them. I have yet to come across any information as to any but MALE patients trying this proceedure.

Exactly how has it changed your life in regards to all your Parkinson's Disease symptoms, and is it reliable? Is it bothersome to your body in any way, and how? Does it suddenly fail for any reason? Are there limitations and dangers in the day-to-day world for a person who undergoes the proceedure?

Thanks for anyone who can contribute input.

AElfsDottir
deleted_user
deleted_user
I underwent DBS surgery in August of 2008. The biggest changes I have experienced since having DBS are I no longer have a tremor in my right hand and the fluctuations between my on/off times are not as extreme. When I go in for a programming session and the system goes through the check points it has to do, I see how bad the tremors would be without DBS; my tremor is quite severe. The wires that are in place in my head and run behind my ears and neck are itchy and I can feel them under my skin. The two transmitters which are under my collarbone protrude out because I am on the lean side. I do not like to lay on my left side because I don't like the way it feels and I cannot lay on my stomach anymore. The system runs 24/7 and the only way it would fail is if you come in contact with a strong magnet or if the transmitter batteries need replaced. The life of the battery is 3-5 years. Dangers would be no MRI's or diathermy, obviously you would want to protect your head and chest from any blunt force and the manufacturer of the unit recommends that you not go through airport security. If you would like to discuss anything else, please feel free to send me a message.
AElfsDottir
AElfsDottir
Greetings TeeCee,

Thanks so very much for your reply. It is helping me to think about options beyond medication. A few more questions, if I may. Are you able to shower, swim, submerge in water freely? Are there any
(daily of otherwise) strange or annoying little things you may have forgotten to mention as to irritants due to the DBS? What percentage of normal ability/mobility has this procedure given to your daily life? You mention not being able to lie on both sides to rest. I have a bad back that needs to use both sides in resting. That could be a major problem for me. Also, do you still require medication daily with your DBS?