@lisalucier , I had DBS surgery at the Mayo/Jax in 2024 following my PD diagnosis there in 2020 or thereabouts. The first surgery was on my left brain/right hand since that side tremor was more bothersome. I was delighted with the result, a marked decrease in the tremor and no unanticipated side effects. After several "adjustments" I have only slight action tremors when attempting fine motor functions. I'm quite happy and was eager to get the other side done several months later.

After the second surgery, which I might add are not exactly a day at the beach if you know what I mean, my tremor was still quite noticeable, but admittedly reduced. I was surprised though to immediately notice a rather severe speech impediment that I never had before. Despite what I had thought was rather thorough research on the procedure I didn't remember speech problems as being mentioned.

During my career, I was often called upon for public speaking engagements and might have hesitated about the prospect of my reduced capacity to do so, but being now retired it is less of an issue to me, but still an annoyance. I was referred to a Speech Pathologist for treatment which has been helpful in making myself understood but provides no cure to the underlying problem. which apparently is the stimulation on my right (brain) side overflowing to the speech center of the brain. Who knew? Apparently, I should have as my Movement Disorder Neurologist tells me it is a fairly common occurrence, but that speech pathology is the only and standard treatment. Turning off the stimulator wouldn't do the trick, not that I would consider that on balance anyway.

My point here is that I sort of opted very enthusiastically into the DBS decision, and while I wouldn't now change what I have done, I would have been more careful. After all, it is brain surgery, and some risk of side effects may be expected,