I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January 2018 however I had been experiencing Parkinson’s symptoms for 3 years prior to my diagnosis. For the past 5 years, my Parkinson’s disease had progressed very slowly however, my symptoms started to progress very quickly last spring. By this past December, my mobility and quality of life had diminished to the point where I was using a walker to get around my house many times during the day, I could only work on my business at specific times and I could no longer drive long distances.
I was assessed for DBS (Deep Brain Surgery) on December 4th and 5th at Toronto Western Hospital and I found out one week later that I was scheduled for the surgery on January 22, 2024.
DBS surgery involves inserting electrodes into the brain and attaching wires to those electrodes that run from the brain to a battery operated stimulator which is surgically implanted into the chest. The stimulator provides an electrical current to the brain which controls movements in your body (in my case reduce the painful dystonia and dyskinesia that I experience). DBS surgery also allows one to reduce their reliance on medications that are used to control Parkinson’s symptoms.
To ensure the best possible results from my surgery, I made sure that I was in great physical shape going into the surgery and I worked with a number of professionals whose services I felt would help put me in the best position possible for a successful surgical outcome.
I worked with a Naturopathic Doctor who helped me with problematic insomnia and constipation issues (more Parkinson’s symptoms). She also worked on detoxing my body, strengthening my immune system and adrenals. I worked with Julie Thayor (@juliethayeryoga) who helped me mentally prepare for the surgery. Since I was going to be awake for half of the surgery (to assist the surgeon placing the electrodes), I learned breathing and meditation practices from Julie and we worked through my fears surrounding the surgery. And, lastly I consulted with my minister to enhance my spiritually and connection to my God.
On the morning of my surgery, I was calm and relaxed because I knew I was physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for the procedure that I was about to undergo. Since January 22nd, I’ve been on the road to recovery. Within a week after surgery, I was doing gentle stretching. Within 2 weeks, I was practicing QiGong and Yoga and by week 4, I was back doing our Small Group Training classes (with very light weights and doing modifications as needed).
The next step in my journey is getting my stimulator turned on and adjusted. I have four appointments booked to adjust my stimulator and by mid-April, I will know what my “new normal” is with my Parkinson’s disease. The DBS surgery is not a cure for this horrible disease (unfortunately, there is no cure at this time) but it’s a treatment that will improve my quality of life.
I’ve learned so much about myself this past year while on my Parkinson’s journey. There are two lessons I’d like to share with you. The first lesson is practice gratitude. Each night when I go to bed, I review my day and thank my God for all of the wonderful gifts that I have experienced. It’s amazing how much we have to be grateful for. My daily gratitude list helps me stay positive and optimistic.
The second lesson that I’ve learned is to live in the moment. By living in the moment, you appreciate the world around you, you take notice, you slow down, you have better relationships and ultimately, you will be happier. So now I live in today and I’m grateful for all the gifts that come my way.
Yours in health,
Kim