A few years ago when my husband’s medications didn’t seem to be working as well anymore his neurologist suggested Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS). We listened to what he was saying, but the concept frightened us both. Brain surgery? What if it doesn’t work and things get worse? We had heard some stories about things going wrong and decided no, he was not ready.

Time passed and his tremors increased. His meds were increased but it didn’t help as the off periods became longer and more difficult to control. Every six months we would meet with the neurologist and again the topic of DBS would come up, we still weren’t ready to talk about it. Then, last year, he was referred to a new neurologist and movement specialist who also told him that she felt he would be an excellent candidate for DBS. It took another six months and some intense conversations before he agreed to be tested to see if it might help. We met with a neurosurgeon who talked us through the procedure and discussed what my husband could expect as an outcome. When the tests indicated he would benefit from the procedure, he finally decided to take the chance and now we are a week post-op looking back wondering why we waited so long.

Yes, the surgery involved his brain, but the day after the surgery he was up and moving. He came home from the hospital and has been improving daily. I wish I had taken the time to find out when his doctor first mentioned this procedure that it could be this life changing, I would have encouraged him to do it then. Instead of regrets, I will look forward and celebrate what we have now as it feels like he has been transported back five years or more in his journey with PD.