Ep. 83 Parkinson’s and My DBS Consultation

I have a big decision ahead of me!
What is DBS?
• Deep Brain Stimulation...
Instagram:
/ jeremymac76
Facebook:
/ jeremymcdonaldmusic

[@stewea57]

Jeremy, I would say do your research and write all your questions down for your consultation. It definitely is scary when you start out but really the surgery is not that bad. As you said everyone is different, I found after researching and talking to the surgeon I couldn’t wait to have it done. I’m 2 months out after my surgery and I have had 3 programming sessions. No major issues so far. I’m very happy I had the surgery. I was not tremor dominant, but had bradykinesia and stiffness. Also it improved my sleep although my surgeon said he doesn’t know why. Everyone has their own decision to make I would be happy to answer any questions you have.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Stew! That is very encouraging!

[@ricksuvanto5009]

If this is right for you , you will know when the time is right. Best thoughts.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thank you, Rick!

[@SDWP]

Try not too let it bring you down or make you anxious. All that worrying will just add more stress. Try to focus on the positives. You’ve got your consultation scheduled, you have an amazing wife that supports you, and you have really cool friends 😉 you can lean on. I know it’s easier said than done…but it helps to shift your focus. I hope you have an amazing day and do something fun!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I do have some awesome friends!😊 Thx for the good advice, Michele!

[@kendc4725]

Best to you and your family as you explore the DBS option.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

I appreciate that, Ken!

[@ParkinsonsWigglesProject]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and fears about DBS! We can make the right decisions but it doesn’t mean that they are not still scary. Keep us posted! ❤

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Will do, Jennifer!😊

[@johnp.2614]

Over last month I had my consultation, Capsit (medicine on-off) test, and neuropsychological. The neuropsychological seemed very focused on the question of how I would feel if the DBS results don’t meet my expectations. I am also in screening for a gene therapy trial involving a surgery much like DBS, but with gene infusion instead of probes. Good luck , Jeremy!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx for the info, John! Keep me posted ✌️

[@steveswoodworking2504]

Best of luck! Yeah, that sounds like something to put a lot of thought and research into.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Steve!

[@adawehi55]

Take your list of questions and concerns. Good luck. I hope you get all the answers you need.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Karen!✌️

[@tomrio9914]

Stay strong my friend. My Dr. gave a five year window after which they wouldn’t cover it due to age. I want to get it done so I can enjoy my family. I will see the Dr. on the eleventh. Will keep you posted.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Please do!

[@shsharrell9267]

Hey Jeremy from Springfield MO

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Hey, Sherry! How have you been?

[@shakinginmyboots1]

I am curious myself thank you for sharing your journey. Lots to think about😊

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thanks for watching!

[@LifewithParkinsons]

Hey Jeremy, tough decision to make. I do hope that your medical team can help you make the right decision.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Me, too! Thx, David!✌️

[@MyPDDaily]

I wish you well during this difficult time!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Many thx!😎

[@BaronLane]

Great luck sir. I had mine done about a year and a half ago. Best decision I ever made.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

That’s awesome! It gives me some hope!

[@enidday5396]

I have the same thing going on, too much dyskinesia. I have an appointment with a surgeon later this month. It's very hard not to stress about it.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Keep me updated!

[@enidday5396]

This is truly being between a rock and a hard place.

[@robertlidmarck9043]

Backing you all the way, whatever you decide to do.... For me personally DBS does not seem to be a potential treatment since my symptom are less external (shakes, gait, balance e t c). Peace & Love from Stockholm, Sweden.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Thx, Robert! Always great to hear from Europe!

[@kendrapatterson4629]

Hey man, I’d say check it out. It was a game changer for me. I couldn’t walk unaided before my first DBS surgery. And just this week had the other side done, 1 1/2 yrs later. Got my legs back with the first surgery, hoping to get back the ability to write with this surgery. So far so good. 😊

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Excellent! That’s great news!

[@wandapetrella7449]

Such a difficult decision... I too question if I should have DBS...fear keeps me... I'll pray for peace of mind for you!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

@@wandapetrella7449 Thank you, Wanda!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

I'm having dbs on Dec. 6th I think both sides, and battery..all in one surgery which I will be awake for.

[@Anthony99355]

Good luck! Interested what your MDS has to say.

[@MikeMercury]

hi jeremy

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Hey, Mike¡

[@mdecero]

Aloha Jeremy, you’ll get there man. Just research and gather more information, you’ll eventually get to a conclusion. There is no wrong answer here. You have to do what you feel is best for you. I’ve been sitting on the fence about DBS for a few years here myself. I’m leaning more towards it nowadays. My meds aren’t working to the point fullest anymore. And I’m having freezing episodes. My only concern is, I’ve had a brain tumor removed in 2015 right after my PD diagnosis. Thankfully the growth was benign. But the thought of undergoing any brain related procedure is still scary. We’ll both get to our next step in this PD journey no matter what. I’ve just got to put my trust in my Doctor. Do something fun today! Enjoy the day, Mike

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Will do, Mike! Brain tumor….😯 That sounds terrifying! I’m glad you’re ok!

[@shsharrell9267]

It's a tough decision. You said it best "It's a lot". It's a lot to go through, a person has to feel like going to all those appointments. I'd aak you this, how much do you have to lose? Is your quality of life good enough to not do DBS or wait to do DBS? I will be pulling for you to make the right decision.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Life is very good, but I am having major problems getting around. I don’t know if I can afford to wait much longer.

[@Tom-ls1vi]

Hey Jeremy, did anybody discuss FUS with you? focused ultrasound?

[@JeremyMcdonald]

That is something that I have discussed with my MDS. Thx, Tom!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

Go for it! Don't waste these years. They won't do dbs on: someone that is too old, does not respond to sinimet, or has depression.

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Well said. Thx, Uzi!

[@GoProGoalieUzi]

@@JeremyMcdonald t that's what they told me