DBS Progress Report

I've officially been off most of my PD meds for over a week now.  Last week, the nurse who does the programming of my system, increased the voltages in my left side (right brain) and I was able to walk normally, with no meds.  I'm still noticing some occasional tremor, like while I'm typing, but I have had no meds for over a week.  I will continue to play with my voltages and meds to see if I can improve my symptoms some more, but is already having a dramatic effect.

Some improvements besides reduction in meds:

1. Walking - This is probably one of the most dramatic improvements.  I am walking relatively normally and even run as well.
2. Sleeping - This actually ranks up with walking.  I have been sleeping 7-8 hours straight through for the first time in years.
3. Bathroom urgency - Related to the sleeping, I can hold my bladder better and can sleep through the night as well.
4. Speech - While occasionally slurred when I'm tired, I and others have notice a less staccato method of talking and thoughts float off my tongue more clearly.
5. Tremor and dexterity - little or no off time.
6. Dyskinesia - gone when I don't take meds.

To put it bluntly, my surgery is working even better than I hoped.  Here's to it continuing.