DBS Surgery

Hello @parkin41

This is very wise to gather information on whether or not for your dad to have DBS at this time or not. In order to help you clarify perhaps you could answer a few questions:

What PD symptom is the DBS procedure hoping to correct?
What does your dad think about going through this procedure? At age 82, does he understand what is involved (both the risks and the benefits)? How is his overall health?
What does his doctor say?
Are you near a facility that is Parkinson's Center of Excellence? See this listing from the Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/expert-care-research/centers-of-excellence/listing
What other treatments (i.e., medications, physical therapy, etc. have been tried?

We have on discussion group written by the wife of a man who decided to have DBS. You might find it helpful to read about their journey. Here is the link to that discussion,https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/deep-brain-stimulation-dbs/.

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post an update?

Hello @parkin41

Just thinking about your family's decision on your dad having DBS. Has a consensus been reached yet? Is your dad on board with this kind of treatment?

I would love to hear from you again with an update when it is convenient.

Unfortunately I got outvoted and my dad won't be getting the surgery. Best of luck to u!

So, my mother decided to go through and find out if my father is a good candidate for the DBS surgery. He has an appt. with a Neuropsychologist in Oct. I will keep u posted.

I will be interested to hear how that appointment goes, @parkin41. I appreciate the update.

Hello @parkin41

As I recall, your dad was to see a neuropsychologist to be evaluated for DBS. I hope that appointment gave you some answers. Would you post an update when it's convenient?

My husband Jim had the 3 DBS surgeries on Sept. 28, Oct. 4, and Oct. 11. 2021. He was 82 years old at the time and was pre-tested to see if he met the requirements. Jim had the surgery at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, Pa. The surgeries were tough as they were every week but the DBS surgeries were successful and stopped the tremors in Jim’s arms and hands which was a great relief.
We were pleased with his care at Hershey Medical Centre. The staff was both very professional and very caring.

on Sept. 28, 2021, Oct.4 and

Very helpful info, sadiecora. I am awaiting a decision from my medical group about my eligibility for the DBS; I've had Parkinson for 4 years. Did your husband need a lot of care after surgery , and did he still need the same medications?