Hi Terry, I was diagnosed with PD in 2022 and had the first phase of DBS surgery in June of 2025. I have the tremor dominant form of the disease mixed in with some non-motor symptoms I have had starting well before my diagnosis. They first did the left side of my brain, which alleviated symptoms in my right (dominant) hand. The surgery was daunting but not really painful, and I would give the outcome a score of 8 out of 10 which I hope will continue to improve as my settings are tweaked in the ongoing sessions,

The second part of the procedure was done later in the same year to implant the electrode for the right side/left hand and connect it to the stimulator which had been implanted in the left side of my chest. I remember being awake for much of the second procedure and therefore probably consider it slightly more traumatic but again, something I would do again in retrospect.

The outcome for my left-hand tremor has been somewhat less successful to this point but my Nurse assistant continues to work on it. I would give it a 6 or 7 on my 10 point scale, but I am hopeful with ongoing adjustments it will continue to improve.

Overall, I would say that FDS treatment has been adequately successful in treating my tremors and of course, I remain hopeful it will continue to improve with further adjustments. One possible side effect of the treatment has been an impact on my voice, as I now speak distinctly less clearly and sometimes slur some words. I would note that while these new symptoms were coincidental with the second surgery, they were nor necessarily a consequence of it as many PD patients have similar issues in the course of the disease's progression. I am now being treated by a speech pathologist at Mayo/JAX which has been the site of all my PD treatment.

Overall, I am satisfied with the results of my DBS to this point and intend to pursue further improvement through the adjustment process. Good Luck. TA