Donn German Donn German 2016 DBS

      Our Journey of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Essential Tremor (also used for Parkinson's)
Welcome to my Caringbridge site. I want to offer you information about my DBS revision surgery through this website. I used it in 2016 for the original implant brain surgery and some of the expressions in the Journal from that time are still useful in 2023. My Essential Tremor (ET) symptoms have progressed during the past seven years to the point that programming and other medical treatment are no longer fully effective at controlling the tremors. During that same time, DBS system technology has advanced, as well as lead implant imaging for more accurate placement in the brain. 
     
      We've created this CaringBridge website to keep friends and family updated about our journey to mitigate the effects of my Essential Tremor with brain surgery to install Deep Brain Stimulators.  Please read and follow us in the Journal (click in menu above) to receive notification of my progress and more information.  Contributions are not required so you may ignore any requests. You can read previous entries if you want a wealth of additional detail information about DBS, ET, and surgery that we have learned.    
     You can choose the amount of information and involvement is best for you.  Visit as often as you like to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write us a note in our "Thoughts & Well Wishes".  Thank you for sharing your heartfelt comments and feelings with me recently and in the future.  You are a treasure to me and you have the deep love of my spirit.  I appreciate your active commitment to love and support Dortha and I in dealing with my medical issues and healing.


     "It's not so much what happens to you, as how you respond to what happens that makes the biggest difference in your life." 
Since my Dad and Grandmother had Essential Tremor (ET), I anticipated that some day I might have it also.  I was diagnosed with it 45 years ago (now age 80) and the tremors in my arms, hands, head, and voice have slowly progressed since then to now be debilitating in many of my movements.  A list of movements that I want to gain control of are in a separate "Journal" entry.  I have learned many ways of compensating for the tremors as well as Dortha and others cover for me frequently.  I have taken medicines like Inderal (Propranolol) and Primidone as well as others but they all have unwanted side effects.  As ET effects progressed more dosage was needed increasing the side effects.  This led me to consider Deep Brain Stimulator Surgery revision.  
     I have had other medical challenges in the past including Heart AFib, Melanoma and Prostate Cancer.  These have all been satisfactorily treated. Those experiences will help us face this medical challenge.  Yes, our lives may be disrupted for a few months, but that is minor compared to the rest of our lives.  I look forward to the opportunity to do normal movement functions without tremors.  

     We trust in this guidance from Paul, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your MINDS in Christ Jesus."  Phil 4:6-7 (NIV). 
     I appreciate your prayers for us:  that God will give us what we need, that the path to recovery that we find will be good for us and you, and that we will all have peace throughout this process.  We will be praying for YOU also.  


    This Journal will describe my experience with Deep Brain Stimulators, what I learn, and may be a source for others considering the surgery for ET or Parkinson's.  We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time.   With my love, Donn