Forum Replies Created

  • Nick

    Member
    July 18, 2023 at 4:40 pm in reply to: DBS Meets Expectations for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

    Had Medtronic DBS 2016 for rapid progression symptoms.  Developed a pseudomonas generator pocket infection and whole device and parts removed.  8 months later Had an Abbott St Jude’s which offered a wider variation of functions.  48 hours post op had a grand mal seizure from a 5 cc bleed in or near the brainstem.  no long term complications although we are wondering now about possible partial complex seizures, worsening double vision and swallowing difficulties.  I was a little disappointed in the outcome.  Though I had nothing but kudos for the neurosurgeon, my proglem was finding a neurologist skilled in programming the DBS to get maximal benefit.  I still feel there is  a bunch more potential.

    My advice to anyone getting a DBS is to do it!  But line up a good programmer first!  I have ended up with a PA who is doing my programming for the last 6 months.  She is sharp and I think she has had experience and knows what she is doing.  Certainly, seems better than 2b MDs I have had.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Nick

    Member
    May 3, 2023 at 7:56 am in reply to: Do you consider yourself to be athletic?

    Yes, pre PD I ran 7 marathons including  Boston (qualified at age 40); 3 triathlons.  Can’t cycle anymore because I’ll fall over on my two wheeler. Have a first class tricycle recumbent and am able continue cycling 4 x a week except in the winter. I am 80 with 12 years of PD and DBS after 3 years after diagnosis.

  • Nick

    Member
    May 5, 2023 at 8:47 am in reply to: Do you consider yourself to be athletic?

    Mary Beth,

    Cycling is a lot easier on your spine, knees and hips.  If you get a good bike, it makes it that much gentler.  I had a road bike and a mountain kike.  Ended up doing more of the latter.  You can see so much.  Ended up being my favorite…and with today’s mountain bikes it cushions the spine factor.

    Good cycling to you!