I had DBS around 1995 (not sure of date). It saved my life! I knew what I was in for because my mama had it as well as my grandma, two aunts, and my self and two sisters. Plus my uncle on daddy's side with the others (daddy- one == mama-six ). I hoping the PD would disappear but it didn't but I accepted it . Once again DBS saved my life.

So would you say Parkinson's is hereditary or environmental?

I am also considering DBS also. I feel that it is a family decision. My husband, our daughters, and I attended an education session at my doctors office last week. It was presented by Medtronic, the company that developed the pacemaker for heart patients and the stimulator for DBS. They also had a Parkie there who had the surgery in the last year. It was extremely helpful and insightful. Many of our questions were answered but we still have more. The representative said to contact her if we had more questions. I am working on this list as we speak. My doctor says that I am a candidate and there is a window to have it done. I have started doing the tests that he recommends. I see him on Tues. of next week. There is some good information on line.

I do not have Parkinsons but my oldest brother who is now 67 and was diagnosed at 50 did have DBS. The advantages to this deep brain stimulation surgery is that it stops the tremors (you have to be awake for this surgery) and dystonia is minimized but my brother said no one told him prior to his surgery that you have to learn to do the simple things that you took for granted over again. i.e. feeding yourself with utensils, walking tying your shoe strings or sneakers, You eventually regain these abilities but you should be made aware of this way prior to surgery.

There is much you can do to minimize the problems of PK without resorting to DBS. Unfortunately most neurologists don't spend much time on them. Get on the internet and look at diet, exercise, stress, and medication times as related to meals. I also have found meditation very helpful also. You will find that you have to be very active as your own expert, as ten minutes every 3 to 6 months isn't enough time for your doctor to do much.