The Unshakable Optimist - a Column by Mollie Lombardi

What my ordeal with emergency back surgery taught me

In my last column, I mentioned that about a year after my diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease, I needed back surgery for a ruptured disc and a herniated disc in my lower spine. It was a harrowing experience, but I learned some important lessons. I’ve had lower back pain…

My journey with deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s, part 1

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with deep brain stimulation surgery. Not everyone will have the same response to the procedure. Consult your doctor before considering any particular therapy or treatment. First in a series. You know how people say “It’s not like it’s brain surgery” about something…