47 the device on for the first time , my dad was able to button his shirt on his own , which he had not been able to do for many years . Also , before DBS , my dad had lost an extreme amount of weight because his tremor made it hard to eat . He was again able to eat and gain some weight . DBS continues to aid him even as he lives with advanced symptoms and dementia . We know when his battery is low or turned off because a “ light goes off .”
Rebecca : Larry was taking more than 20 levodopa pills per day before the surgery , so our main goal was to see management of certain symptoms with less medication and a more even balance to Larry ’ s day . We made the decision knowing realistically what the benefits may be and with a simple but significant goal regarding results . That made a big difference to our patience with the process and our satisfaction with outcomes , and it helped prevent any major disappointment . Larry is now taking a few pills a day , experiences no “ off ” periods and his quality of life is absolutely improved .
Mike : Yes , in spite of all the difficulties and a complete revision .
For Loved Ones