Re: DBS

["michaelreaves@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx" <michaelreaves@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've only been on this list for a short while, but I'd like to add my
experience with DBS.

I was diagnosed with PD in 1995; my first symptoms showed as early as 1990
(loss of sense of smell and a slight tremor in my right ring finger). By
the summer of 2002 I was on fairly high dosages of Sinemet, Deprynil,
Comptan, Wellbutrin and Adamantine. I was still mobile and reasonably
functional, though all the meds had made me very short tempered, paranoid
and unmotivated. My family noticed quite a difference in me, even if I
didn't. 

The tremors in my arms, particularly my right arm and hand, had increased
to the point where I could no longer type. I'm a writer by trade, and so
this was a problem. (Also, trouble with my voice range and pitch had made
it difficult to use dictation software.) Even on those rare occasions when
I could type, my mental state was such that I didn't have the discipline or
the energy or creativity to work.

Something had to be done.

Last September, I had unilateral DBS on my left hemisphere, controlling my
right side. The results were immediate and dramatic: I was able to cut my
meds back to nearly nothing -- I've had to increase them since then, but
I'm still taking much less, both in doseage and variety than I was before.
My dexterity and range of movement remain improved to a great deal even
now, over a year after surgery. I still have voice problems, but not as
much as before. On most days, no one can tell I have any kind of movement
disorder. My neuro and I estimate I've gained at least four or five good
years by having the DBS.

When I have to, I'll definitely have my left side implanted. I'll do
whatever it takes to keep as far ahead of this until someone finds a cure.
I'm very grateful that the technology exists to make DBS possible. 

I can't say, obviously, that DBS is the Golden Fleece. But it has given me
my life back this past year and more.

Michael Reaves

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