Sue Johnson Lyon was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease seven years ago. She was looking for a better way combat Parkinson's Disease more effectively. Sue had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery at the University of Minnesota on October 2nd, 9th and 30th! Please see journal entries for a summary of what has happened.
Timeline of events: - Oct 2 - Lead implanted into the right side of the brain. Surgery is 4-6 hrs with an overnight stay in the hospital. - Oct 9 - Neurostimulator implanted in the chest and connected to the right-side lead. Surgery is 1-2 hrs, no hospital stay required. - Oct 30 - Lead implanted into the left side of the brain and connected to the neurostimulator. Surgery is 4-6 hrs with an overnight stay in the hospital. - 4 week waiting period before turning the system on. Sue may have short term improvement that disappears as the brain heals ('lesion effect'). - Nov 13 - turning on the right side of the brain (treating Sue's left side). Up to 8 hrs of tuning the system. Sue will need to be completely off medications for over 12 hrs. - Dec 11 - turning on the right side of the brain (treating Sue's left side). Up to 8 hrs of tuning the system. Sue will need to be completely off medications for over 12 hrs. - Many follow up visits in the first 6 months to continue tuning the system.
Sue is getting a DBS system that will continuously deliver electrical current into her brain to provide relief from Parkinson's symptoms. This system comes with the most advanced current-steering capabilities available. The current steering technology is used to shape the electrical current to provide symptom relief and avoid negative side effects.
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.