MaryAnn Cavanaugh

I dress in every day casual attire, jeans, tee shirts, and closed flats or sneakers. I want my MDS to be  able to evaluate me walking and doing the other tasks she has me do in as normal a setting as possible.

I had DBS, not as a last resort but as a quality of life issue. Before DBS here are a few questions I asked myself. How did I want to live my life? How would I fight this disease? Did I have realistic expectations?

I wanted to live as healthy a life as I could as a PWP. I chose DBS and it was the correct choice for me. I no longer have any…[Read more]

Hi Jacqueline. As you know, a a great programmer can make all the difference and you are great. Miss you too!

I had DBS in 2019 for tremors. It has proved highly effective in stopping my tremors. I also have a wonderful programmer.

Although I can understand why someone might choose Focused Ultra Sound as it is considered non-invsasive, but I would not want a procedure that is permanent and irreversible. DBS may be reversed by removing the system or…[Read more]

I   had taken Amantadine on its own. It helped with slowness and stiffness but did nothing for my tremor. I eventually stopped taking Amantadine when I started experiencing swelling in my legs.

I had DBS surgery last April, 2019 to help with my tremors which were not controlled by meds. I was extremely tired the first few months and thought I would never feel like myself again. Thankfully that passed. I also felt that my speech had become softer and raspier (no one else seemed to notice) but I asked my  neurologist for a script for…[Read more]

I started RSB a little over 2 years ago. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other people with Parkinson’s and a great workout. I think what people don’t realize is that it is not just boxing. It’s working on balance, strength, endurance, and over-all movement. I also use a Fitbit to get me moving each hour, but no matter how much I move at home…[Read more]