PatientsLikeMe ™

April 2011 Update: I had DBS surgery on February 1, 2010 by Dr. Mandybur at the Mayfield Clinic (University of Cincinnati Hospital). My symptoms are much more manageable with DBS!! The severe ones are gone - no more foot cramps, dyskensia, falling off periods, or painful dystonia in my shoulder. I still take my PD medicine as before to improve my speech. I can work my business to business telemarketing job in the mornings when I have a few predictable hours of "formal business" speech. Afternoons and evenings speaking ability is unsure at best. I can tell the Parkinson's is overtaking my current DBS setting. However, I'm going to ride this setting as long as possible since I still feel pretty good. I praise God for smart and experienced people like the folks at Mayfield and the U of C Hospital (and my programmer, Maureen)! Still adjusting the DBS programming from time to time. I am a 55 year old male, happily married to Carol with 3 grown children. Ryan (28) and his wife, Brittany; Cheryl (26) and her husband, Jeff; and Brad (23). I am working part-time at Castell Interlocks and I enjoy photography which allows me to express my "artistic" side. You can visit http://creationsourceimages.com/ . My faith in Jesus Christ is my Rock and I serve Him to the best of my ability. My church asked to shoot a video about my Parkinson's experience before my Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. You can view it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGlGDfhHFY0