Well here we are nearly 1 1/2 years following my DBS surgery and it is time to discuss what my experience has been in this year. As you have read in previous posts I am still amazed at the difference this surgery has made. The wonder of on little electrode I can control and the clinical outcomes of such an invasive surgery. The one thing I am asked constantly is "how are you feeling?" initially I became so irritated that I had become this whole new person and I had so many things I could talk about but had I become so boring that all every one wanted to know was how am I feeling. Nobody wanted to know how my job was, how our foundation was doing or how is life treating me it was always "how are you feeling."
After much complaining to my wife about this situation she made me realize that it was just concern people were showing and I did not know the stress I had put on my family and friends during the surgery and recovery. It was then I realized how selfish I was being and I needed to let people express their concern and show their continued support by asking how I was now that it was all over.
Well I am well now but the last year and a half has been difficult both emotionally and physically. As previously discussed I suffered a seizure the day after surgery of which I thought would be an isolated incident. My surgeon stated at then it was a complication of the surgery caused by irritation and swelling of the area of the brain where the distal lead was placed. A limited MRI scan and CT were performed and there was no acute findings that would contradict the surgeons explanation. I was placed on KEPPRA 500MG TABLETS x 2 bid(twice daily) Common Uses: This medicine is an anticonvulsant usually used with other medicines to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children over the age of four.
I began taking this medication immediately following the CT and MRI studies as prescribed by a resident physician in the ICU. with in hours of taking my first 1000mg dose I began to experience what is now known as focal seizures. These were characterized by one to three minutes of blank staring with no response to verbal or physical stimuli.I continued to experience these type of episodes for 2 weeks following my release from the hospital. During these two weeks I demonstrated some very unusual behavior of which I have no recollection. I was then told to cut the dose in half of which made no difference in my condition. I was then instructed to completely cease taking this medication. I was told that the focal seizures were being caused by this medication and that the seizure was an isolated incident as a complication of the surgery but to be on the safe side they stated that I would be restricted from driving for six months due to the seizure activity. Six months without seizure activity I would be re-evaluated and driving privileges might be restored.
Well my driving privileges were restored in September of 2009; three weeks later I received my first speeding ticket in 25 years. I guess it is a bit more challenging than "it's like riding a bike you never forget". Your expecting me now to say I fell like a million bucks and it was the best decision I have made and I would recommend DBS to everyone; close but not quite.
MORE TO COME....
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