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How effective is DBS and at what stage of PD should it be performed?
Parkinson's Disease | Last Active: Oct 5, 2023 | Replies (7)Comment receiving replies
Hello @dpgigov71 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. I am so pleased to see that you are advocating for yourself, through research, and consultations with specialists. You are definitely doing your best in trying to find the right solution. That is so important!
I can certainly understand the concerns you have regarding your PD symptoms as well as your concerns about DBS. It can all seem very overwhelming, and it can then become difficult to make a decision. We do have some members who have had DBS.
Here is a link to Mayo Clinic’s website regarding Deep Brain Stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson’s, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/deep-brain-stimulation/about/pac-20384562.
As you have done a lot of research on PD and DBS, you may already be familiar with the Davis Phinney Foundation. This group is a leader in research as well as education in the area of Parkinson's. Here are some videos about DBS that you might find helpful,
https://davisphinneyfoundation.org/mds-surgeon-deep-brain-stimulation-medtronic/
When I was first diagnosed, I was having gait problems, a very soft voice, some swallowing problems as well as balance problems. Will you share, as you are comfortable doing so, what your most difficult symptoms are right now?
Replies to "Hello @dpgigov71 and welcome to the Parkinson's support group on Mayo Connect. I am so pleased..."
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Thank you very much for the quick response @hopeful33250.
Currently my symptoms are not that strong. My medications compensate them approximately 95%. Sill I have some issues with my left arm. It moves in a strange way and sometimes is getting numb. Same issue with my left leg, but it is not so visible. And I don’t have tremors.
As I said, my medications compensate the symptoms approximately 95%, but this comes on a high cost. I suffer from a lot side effects. I have a severe Insomnia – I sleep no more than 3-4 hours at the most. And this is not a continuous period. During the day I feel sleepy and it affects the quality of my work.
I also have severe seborrhea, which is very annoying.
Very often I have powerful headaches and dizziness.
On the positive side, I do some sports. I run 5 kilometers every second day. Going to the gym 3 times a week and I’m trying to do 10 000 steps every day.
Again thanks for the provided information and useful links.