Hi Dan, I had bi-lateral DBS surgery in 2013. I just had one battery changed because it was set on a higher setting that the other side. I guess it was just about maxed out. As it turns out it wasn't set correctly, it was turned down quite a bit and I feel much better. The frequency of battery changes depends on how bad your symptoms are and how quickly you respond to the treatment. In my case the Dr. setting my original settings kept turning up the settings until I showed signs of dyskinesia and then she turned it back down a bit. I am apparently a bit different than most in that I don't react to the stimulation quite as fast as others.Most of my reaction to the stimulation happened later that night. It sure was a rough little while until I reached my Dr and she told me to simply turn it off and see her the next day. All is well now though because I have been entrusted with my control device to set it where it needs to be. Life is good. I believe it was the best decision I could have made given my symptoms and circumstances..I would definitely do it again although it took me many months to make my mind up.
Good luck in your decision making,
David

i had bilateral DBS in 2008, and have had 4 battery revisions or replacements since then, DBS doesnt stop the progression of PD, but it does two things very well: it reduces those signs that identify pwpd: tremor, and dystonia. It may reduce the need for meds, especially sinemet. (carbadopa/levadopa). But of course PD is much more than tremor and stiffness. So really, DBS addresses only the tip of the iceberg. But its flashy medicine and makes a good story. (the FDA approved it in 2002, so its not a new therapy, but the long term effects are as yet unknown.). Find yourself a tremendous DBS team and be patient as it takes awhile for the neurostims to be adjusted (in my experience, 6 months; others take longer).

i found the following a very useful site, with good solid science-based evidence:
DBS4PD.org

Margaret Tuchman, et al, have shown that DBS can increase the symptoms of fatigue and apathy, and can make speech and language skills worse. Gait and balance get worse over time, as does cognitive and "executive function" skills. oh boy!:)

You will get a few good years back..my advice is dont waste those years. make a bucket list, find a companion, and cross some off...you dont get them back.

Cat

Hi Dave,
I had bilateral DBS surgeries in May of 2013. Now I have no tremors, and I can smile again. They put you through a rigorous evaluation, to decide if you are a good candidate. I feel fortunate that I made the cut. I feel great, albeit my speech and balance aren' so great . But I think that is just the progression of the disease. DBS surgery is scary, but I highly recommend it!

Hi Melissa,
I have had PD since1997, diagnosed in 2002.
And I had bilateral DBS surgeries in 2013. I felt the benefits of the surgeries right away. That came with a price though... My speech and balance have suffered.
Are you thinking of doing it?

I'm gonna have it done real soon