“ There is a light at the end of the tunnel .”
29
After Surgery
Jessica R .
I was 24 when I began to feel weakness in my left hand doing easy tasks like typing and applying make-up ; the early-onset Parkinson ’ s diagnosis followed six months later . By the time I began thinking about DBS I was taking medication almost every two to three hours and living pill-topill . I had to constantly think about where I could discreetly store my pills and was always trying to time them best before an evening out . I decided to have DBS when I was 31 years old because the bad days started to outnumber the good and after a few weeks of contemplating , I knew DBS surgery was the next step in my journey .
My procedure went as smoothly as it could — no infections or other problems — and the recovery was challenging but to be expected with any brain surgery . As a young woman , I have my vanity , and having half of my head shaved affected my confidence more than I had imagined it would . I went through the scarf phase , followed by hats and headbands and even beautiful wigs while patiently waiting for my hair to return .
Regardless of my hair accessory , I am grateful every day for this surgery and how far I have come — I have not taken levodopa since the day they turned on the stimulation , which is incredible and extremely rare ! Most importantly , my tremors and all the dyskinesia have gone away , and I recognize my life again .
I have learned firsthand how helpful it is to have a great relationship with everyone in your care team — your neurologist , the surgical team , your own doctor — because they ’ ll work with you and support you . I am also grateful for my incredible family and friends and feel very fortunate for my support system .
For Jessica R ., diagnosed at 24 with early-onset Parkinson ’ s , DBS was a clear step on her journey with the disease .
I assumed life after DBS would mean backless heels , taking on more at work and seeing my handwriting improve . While the backless heels have yet to happen , I recently got promoted at work and take notes by hand every single day .
DBS is an individualized experience , and everyone has a different reaction , but if your doctor thinks that you ’ re a good candidate , I would trust them . There is a light at the end of the tunnel .