November 2023

Well - it's been a while since I last shared some history of my DBS and some thoughts about it all.

But a couple of landmark events have transpired this year that are worth noting here.

First - I received my latest replacement of the DBS devices in a successful (though not uneventful) procedure in Brno in February. 

The surgeon Dr. Chrastina successfully removed the old devices (the batteries were almost dead after 5 years) and implnted 2 new devices with rechargeable batteries.

Now although I was heavily sedated, before I passed out, I could recognize his body odor (Czechs aren't offended by body odor and many don't use it) - and studies prove that the olfactory sense is directly connected to memory in our brains - and I fell asleep remembering previous oeprations.

Rechargeable batteries! Since 2004 I've had the old system of DBS batteries (replaced 4 times), and now I'm enjoying unbridled DBS usage, knowing that I can recharge regularly.

That brings us to the other landmark event: I turned 70 years old last week. Yikes! This might be the last DBS devices I'll ever have - depending of course on the quality of the devices, and my lifespan. 

When I got my initial installation (San Diego 2004) I was the youngest patient they had ever treated with this system - now I could be one the the longest patients as I'll hit the 20 year mark in 3 months. For reference, Medtronic stopped supporting the old devices 3 years ago...

Anyway - I'm still here - and still grateful for the quality of life the treatment has afforded me. Hopefully it will continue for many years of quality to come!