Yes I am talking about Deep Brain Stimulation not cochlear implants. Incidentally, I know someone who has cochlear implants and is very happy with them.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member I'm in the same boat with you Roxie. My neuro told me the same thing. I researched DBS and spoke with a few people. Some people said it's great and others said not so great. For me, the risk of stroke, etc. makes me think twice about it. I know what I have now and I can accept it but after a stroke, I might be worse off and I don't want to take that chance. I wish you luck on your decision whatever you decide.

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A MyParki...

I had DBS just over 9 years ago and I was off meds and "normal" for 5years-no tremors, no freezing, no inability to walk and no muscle pain.
I treasured each day. Now it's starting to get bad again. All I can say is that it delays all symptoms but is not a cure. I was given my life back-and enjoyed it never knowing what the next day would bring

I am glad you asked, Roxie, as my neurologist said I would be a good candidate for it but I don't know much about it. I take 11 carb/levo a day and am really tired most of the time. Like tonight my husband is going to the HS football game and I would love to go but it is very chilly and my tremors will go crazy. Have a good evening.

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member
1. Get a Bluetooth keyboard for your Android phone. I think if you look at computer supply websites & stores you might be able to find a full- (typewriter-)sized Bluetooth keyboard. I hate to see you suffering. No worries - it's OK to gripe to us here on MPT. We are always happy to help by coming up with ideas for you or sharing our experiences of what has helped us.
2. DIZZINESS is sometimes a side effect of PD meds, or a result of combining drugs that are not compatible. Many PD meds have the unnoticed side effect of decreasing blood pressure. But Dr's don't always remember to adjust previous prescriptions to balance this effect, resulting in over-decreasing your BP & causing your BP to drop too low, which may be a cause of your dizziness. Get a home BP monitor & check you BP several times a day, so you can show this to the Dr who prescribed the high BP med. He/she should lower your dose or wean you off it entirely.
3. UNSTABLE WALKING - physical or occupational therapy helps with this So Much! There are 20 rehab hospitals that have been certified by The Joint Commission for Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation. RosemaryNorman received good help from Northern Utah Rehabilitation Hospital, 5825 Harrison Blvd., South Ogden, Utah 84403, Phone (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators), email - (Email address can only be seen by the question and answer creators)
4. Lite Tremors in arms & feet - many Parkies have experienced relief from this with the Deep Brain Stimulation procedure. If you choose to go this direction, be sure to choose a reputable surgeon who has a history of success with this. There are starting to be some quacks out there.
5. Loss of taste and smell - this is a real downer. I combat it by remembering how things taste & smell. Strong flavors like piquant sauce on meatloaf or Heinz 57 sauce are still discernible to me. I always stop & smell the roses (and lilacs, thistles, honeysuckle) because I sometimes (not all the time) experience a delayed burst of fragrance a few hours later!
6. Macular degeneration & floating clouds in your eyes is very bad. It is hard enough to deal with PD without adding blindness. Get an appointment with an ophthalmologist, not just an optometrist, to find out how to ease or fix this. My husband just had an in-office procedure to help him with vision problems he acquired after his stroke. It is amazing how much they can do to help. You are important to us - take care of yourself!

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A MyParki...