Deep Brain Implants

Diseases & Conditions Parkinson's Disease
1
Hi - I am new to the group.  I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease six years ago at age 43.  Right after the diagnosis, I got divorced and lost my job.  Five years ago I had the first implant for my right side and three years ago I had the left side done.  I also take mirapex, sinnemet, and stalevo.  I have had five good years but have recently experienced difficulty walking, lack of fine motor control and the tremor on my left side is worse.  I also no longer take a night time dose of Mirapex due to night terrors.
 
On the positive side, I have managed to raise three children as a single dad and got married this summer to the love of my life.  I can still drive and still take care of my own needs although with some difficulty at times.  I am interested in chatting with other Parkinson's disease survivors and anyone who also has deep brain implants or is interested in discussing the pros and cons of this surgery.
2
hi just read your post and the latter part was inspiring, nice 2 know you are having sum positive aspects to your life.

im only 30 and have had pd for a yr now cant even contemplate op yet but if its worked on you for the better id like to know.


thanks all the best.
3

 

   i am very interested in dbs.  have been researching alot about it.  have talked to my nueroligist and he feels i would be a good canidate.  i;m 47.  good health except for pd.  what was it like having such a long surgery?  can you tell me more about?

 

4
i am new to this site. i face dbs surgery on april 12th. can anyone tell me how much hair is shaven from the head for this procedure?
hjg 
5

Hello

I am new here 49 and have had  pd 7 yrs.  dbs last year in june.  I am happy to say it has been quite effective in controling tremers.   I have diffuculty walking and speaking sometimes.  frustrating for sure especially since i did not have these problems before. Seems like finding the right combination of meds and machine is diffucult. Would also like to hear from others who have had dbs.  thanks gert

6

Gert,

I am also 49 and have Parkinson's Disease.  I would love to chat with you anytime.  Post a message with a date and time that is best for you and we can arrange to be on at the same time.  I am online - on and off most evenings.  Our PD moderator has arranged a PD chat this Sunday at 8:00.  Try and join us!

 

 

You never have to grow up....
      "take the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning"
 
                               Peter Pan's directions to Neverland
 
 
                
          

7

Hello all, 43 year old male, diagnosed 6 years ago.  I take Comton, 2 types of carb/lev, and amantadine.  All the drups in the requip family make me ill.  Suffered through 2 years misdiagnosed with essential tremors.  Just had my Psych exam, first step in the DBS surgery.  Would love to know how much it will help with "dead leg" or finger dexterity?  Typing really sucks when you type 75 words/minute with one hand and 25 words/minute with the other.

I also trip over the smalles of items (thresholds, tile floors, rocks) and miss steps on the stairs all the time.  Trying to find a support group in my area for young onset patients, but cant find one with anybody my age.  Meeting with 65 year old retirees just doesn't help.  We have way different problems.

Anyway, would love to here from anyone who has already had the surgery.....

 

Thanks

8
Hi all. My dad, now 58, was diagnosed with Parkinson's about 6 years ago. He's on (3) Mirapex a day, (2) Sinnimet, and now (1 or 2) Provigil to keep him from falling asleep when he sits still. I've noticed him more quickly getting worse - the trembling has quickly become more apparent and his walking is now a shuffle, among other things.

I've been reading a lot recently about Deep Brain Implants and have yet to come across any negative story's on the procedure, outside of the fact that it doesn't work for everyone. I naturally have doubts, thinking that if it is so wonderful, why isn't everyone (those who qualify at least) not having it?

Does anyone know of documented cases I can look at that outline the real life pro's and con's, besides just all of the pro's that I see? And what prequalifications are necessary?

Thanks.
9
Hey, is anyone using prolopa and requip.  I was diagnosed at 27 and I turn 30 in January. Starting to feel fatigued alot lately.
 
www.robbietucker.com
 
Check out my song about PD at www.cdbaby.com/cd/robbietucker called the PD Groove (eldopa shakedown)
 
 
Robbie

Post Edited (balki) : 7/24/2006 2:14:31 PM (GMT-6)

10
I have had an interview for Deep Brain Implant and am interested in hearing from others who have had the operation and what the results have been.  I have chosen to wait to have the procedure done until my symptoms get to the point of being too intense for me to endure.