Re: DBS qualifications

[rayilynlee <rayilynlee@xxxxxxx>]

Ken, generally it is when you have been responsive to PD meds, but they are 
no longer working.  In my case meds only worked once, but I had a PET scan 
from UCLA saying my brain was  "consistent with PD" or something like that. 
Also, I was 67 when my DBSs were done and I heard they prefer not to do them 
after age 70, but it depends on the person. Tremor was my worst symptom and 
DBS really helped that.  I still don't take any PD meds.
Ray
Rayilyn Brown
Board Member AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson's Foundation
rbrown@xxxxxxxxx
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "kbachn" <kbachn@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 8:27 AM
Subject: Re: New Member


> Hi Sandra,
>
> i was diagnosed too at an early age (36), just wondering how you decided 
> to have a DBS only 4 yrs after dx.
> what conditions does one have to be in before a DBS is recommended?
>
> Regards, Ken
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "MyFirstname Mylastname" <sandra.way@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 4:58 AM
> Subject: New Member
>
>
> > -
> >
> > Hello, I am a new member from Sydney Australia. I only found out about 
> > the site from the book "When Parkinson's Strikes Early".
> >
> > I was diagnosed in 2002 at age 35. My husband and I have 2 children. In 
> > 2006 I had deep brain stimulation surgery but it was unsuccessful and I 
> > suffered a stroke on the left side of my body.
> >
> > I have changed neurologists again and have finally found someone who 
> > wants to reduce my medication! I actually feel better with fewer side 
> > effects and sleep better.
> > He told me about "dopamine dysregulation syndrome" which I had not heard 
> > of before.
> >
> > I have been undergoing rehab and started with a personal trainer at the 
> > gym last February to strengthen the muscles on my left side of the body. 
> > I think the weight training has helped and the reduction in medication 
> > has almost eliminated my dyskinesias. I joined the gym after my diagnosis 
> > and attend Pilates classes regularly which help me to maintain my muscle 
> > flexibility and reduce stiffness (lots of stretches and can be adapted 
> > for different fitness levels).
> >
> > I still have limited use of my left hand but I can walk independently and 
> > can drive with a spinner-knob.
> >
> > I have gone through severe depression and a lot of personal trauma but I 
> > have been blessed with a loving family a great Parkinson's support group, 
> > supportive church community , some very supportive health professionals 
> > and a great driving instructor who have got me through the really dark 
> > times.
> >
> > So remember, never lose hope, there are lots of wonderful people out 
> > there who will help you - you just have to let them.
> >
> > I am always surprised at the kindness of complete strangers. There is a 
> > lot of travelling and a lot of things to be done so I want to do as much 
> > as I can while I can.  For those young-onset people who don't attend 
> > support group meetings - you should give it a go. They are really great 
> > and you can provide support to someone else too.
> >
> >
> > Thanks for letting me join your community.
> >
> > Sandra Way
> >
> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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> > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn
>
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