Episode 24: When DBS is turned on - update on Roz

[@SuperCaro101]

My moms having this done tomorrow, watching Roz’s story has calmed my nerves so much. Thank you all for using this platform to share these important stories to the public!!

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Absolutely! Let us know how it goes. Roz is always open to talk to others about it. Feel free to reach out and I can connect you via email if you want.

[@jendaley9178]

Good for you, Brian! All the best on your DBS surgery!!!

[@JeremyMcdonald]

Great interview! I am currently looking at DBS as an option.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Good luck! We have a full playlist on just DBS - check it out!

[@carolconsiglio514]

Hello, I very much enjoy your episodes which are informative and give me hope through very dark days. Do you know what the criteria is when determining whether someone makes a good candidate for DBS? Very many thanks, Carol

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

I believe your MDS has to recommend it based on their assessment. But once you go to the next phase, you go through a neuropsychology test (I actually did one just for a baseline. It takes 3-5 hours). But that would be a great topic to discuss!

[@carolconsiglio514]

Thank you for replying. I hope that I can get this DBS and so far I have had an MRI scan, Psychologist assessment and a week from now get the Levadopa test. Wish me luck. I may not have had the courage to pursue this if I had not seen your videos. Thanks Carol [UK).

[@susansommerville9707]

My husband had DBS in Jan of 2022. The basic criteria are these: Basically healthy besides Parkinson's, and no dementia. The Movement Disorder Specialist (MDS) or neurologist must send in a recommendation. We went to the Cleveland Clinic. My husband had two days of tests to determine if he was a candidate, including extensive blood work, sociological questions session, psychological tests (3 hours), and MRI and a CAT scan. I think that was all. Once he was determined to be a candidate medically and mentally, the process moved on. He once said he would NEVER have any one messed around in his brain. Now, he is glad he had the surgery. We are still in the adjustment stage.

[@carolconsiglio514]

@@susansommerville9707 Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I have undergone all of the tests etc but won’t know for certain whether I will be offered this until after 8 August when medical professionals have their meeting and decide to go ahead or not.

[@jeancattoi2796]

Good luck Brian with the DBS.

[@tyterry9284]

Good luck Brian

[@caprof54]

Which location were the DBS electrodes placed - STN or GPi? Thanks.

[@brodielush6342]

Interesting to hear you have three surgeries. I live in Australia and have also had DBS. But everything is done in the single surgery here. I am a 42 year old person with Parkinson's myself, I had the surgery in August last year. Good luck Brian.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Interesting. I wonder why that is. We'll have to ask.

[@avneetkohli9481]

Same in India

[@TheMcoo4]

Hope your getting on well with your dbs. I’m going for it but I am really worried about the assessments cognitive and physical. Any hints of what I can do to prepare.

[@thesecretlifeofparkinsons]

Sorry we missed this. Did you have the assessment yet? I think for preparation, just be prepared for it to be a long day. But keep an open mind and try to stay relaxed (better said then done)