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