Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Edward W. Grossman
Symposium - 1/23/01

Introduction

To most people who are Yankee baseball fans and living in the Metropolitan area, 2000 proved to be a year of champions when the Yankees clinched the series. The year 2000 also proved to be a year of champions for those of us in the Parkinson's community who have had successful DBS surgery. However, instead of having Derek Jeter and Andy Pettite on our team, we had Dr. Kelly, Dr. Beric, Dr. Sterio, Patti Taverna and Ann O'Sullivan as our heroes. Each has a specific role to play in our well-being and is still functioning comprehensively and exhaustively so that people with Parkinson's Disease might manage their symptoms better, and thereby improve the quality of their lives.

Symptoms

In speaking for myself; I was plagued with the following symptoms:

• Drooling
• Gait problems
• Falling (balance problems)
• Low volume in voice
• Crooked posture
• Masked expression
• Dyskinesia and sweating which resulted from medication, which was not as effective as it had been previously.
• Tremor

I was taking 25 pills a day (Sinemet, Artane, Mirapex, Symmetral, and Comtan) I have had PD now for 22 years and after consultation with the doctors, it was decided that DBS could help me to better control my symptoms.

How has the Operation Affected My Life?

I had the operation in late September 2000. I am happy to report that since that time to the present, I have decreased my medication to only 5 pills a day.

Medicationem almostSinemet - 10/100 2 pills daily every 4 hoursy, t Mirapex - .25 2 pills daily every 4 hoursake my medicine, but it's f eel so go important that I rforgember to take them ize this is not a cure.inemet - 10/100 2 ½

Mirapex - .25 2 ½ pills daily every 4 hours
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Other Improvements

• Drooling has all but disappeared.
• Dyskinesia and sweating have become increasingly under control to the point where they have subsided comfortably.
• Gait problems and balance have improved although I now know that in order to initiate movement, I have to slow down i.e., getting up too quickly might make me lose my balance. Putting myself in a pressure situation would not be conducive to functioning in a friendly environment, i.e., taking the 5:47 train home at the height of rush hour at Penn station.
• Voice Articulation - louder and stronger.
• Expression - masked look on my face is gone. This has made me even more communicative than previously and the stare is gone.
• Posture has become more erect.

Adverse Reactions

Unfortunately, surgery for me had some adverse reactions, which I would like to tell you about.

Firstly, it should be remembered that we are all individuals and what happens to one may not necessarily happen to another and vice versa.

• During my operation, I became combative on the operating table and from what I understand, based on reliable sources, it required 6 men to restrain me. I'm basically a gentle person, maybe I don't know my own strength.
• I temporarily lost part of my memory i.e., I forgot my friend's telephone numbers and therefore was unable to reach any of them. Consequently, I thought they abandoned me or at the very least wanted to avoid me. My being in the hospital for 8 days instead of the anticipated 5 days also reflected my having a hard time in the hospital.
• Experiencing paranoia was another symptom I encountered as I thought that people (doctors and nurses alike) were out to get me and I was hallucinating.
• Pallidotomy - I had a Pallidotomy about 7 years ago, which was successful, except it lasted for only about 4-5 years. My adverse reactions in the hospital could have been attributed to the Pallidotomy as it had to be performed twice due to a computer error.
• Finally, I had a weight gain of about 15-20 pounds which is not terrible. It seems most Parkinsonian's who have undergone the operation do gain some weight. I am, however, a believer in exercise and physical fitness. I currently participate in an exercise program.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I am very thankful that I underwent the procedure as it has definitely improved my quality of life and has enabled me to function and maintain a more productive lifestyle. I am gainfully employed. If I had to do it over again, I would. I would also like to add the importance of having support. This is essential as I found out by having an understanding, considerate and supportive wife, who stood by my side in what seemed to be dark hours and who willingly shared the difficult experience. Believe me, having such a devoted partner made for an easier transition and family support is extremely important. In closing, I would like to add that you should never give up and if you should ever find that you are, remember: ACCOMMODATE WITHOUT SURRENDER. If I could be of assistance to any of you, feel free to contact me. To mentally prepare oneself is vital to help insure one's success.