Personal Account of DBS Transition Experience
Brand-New Take on a Fascinating Tale
Meet Sharyn, a 42-year resident of Cooma, who's been navigating the challenges of Parkinson's disease for over a decade. Her journey began back in 2008, when working in childcare, she sensed the unsettling hints of this condition.
"I guess I had a feeling I was akin to Parkinson's due to my family history - two of my father's cousins, two brothers, and five first cousins, all male except me, have been affected by it," Sharyn shared.
Intrigued by the eerie similarity, she started researching and even contacted a health authority for further information, as her blood was also high in iron—a risk factor linked to Parkinson's.
Unfortunately, her initial concerns were dismissed by the first doctor she consulted, prompting her to seek a second opinion. The second doctor diagnosed her, much to her surprise, as the symptoms were all too familiar.
Within a year, Sharyn decided to retire and get involved with a local Parkinson's Support Group in the Snowy Monaro Region. When the group's leader became too ill to continue her role, Sharyn stepped up, leading the group for a decade. Despite the group dwindling in size, Sharyn remained active until her symptoms worsened, forcing her to reconsider her treatment options.
"I tried the apomorphine pump, but it didn't bring much relief, and the symptoms seemed worse with it," Sharyn recalled, adding that she felt like a prisoner tied to the pump, before eventually giving it up due to complications.
In desperation, Sharyn reached out to the Parkinson's InfoLine again, which advised her to seek another opinion from a specialist. That's when she learned about DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation), a treatment she had once dismissed but now found herself considering.
A fortunate series of events led Sharyn to undergo DBS surgery only a few months later, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard. Immediately post-surgery, Sharyn could walk and talk without issues, which filled her with elation.
"COVID-19 came along, and all non-urgent surgeries were postponed. But I managed to get mine done on time, and I'm so grateful for it," Sharyn shared. Now back with the support group, she's even held a market stall that raised $620 for the group.
As we delve deeper into understanding Parkinson's disease, it's fascinating to see how factors like genetics and environmental exposures interact to contribute to its development. While there's no single cause, research suggests that genetic variations, particularly mutations in genes like the GBA1 gene, can significantly increase the risk.
Environmental toxins, like pesticides, air pollution, and certain chemicals, have also been linked to an increased risk, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. As Sharyn's journey demonstrates, it's crucial to stay informed, advocate for ourselves, and explore all available treatment options.
- Sharyn's personal experience with Parkinson's disease, coupled with her family history, has sparked an interest in understanding the environmental factors linked to chronic diseases, such as genetics, and how they intersect with science to contribute to their development.
- The mental health aspect of dealing with chronic diseases like Parkinson's is crucial, as demonstrated by Sharyn's advocacy for health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health awareness within the Parkinson's support group she leads.
- In her quest for optimal health and wellness, Sharyn's ongoing exploration of various treatment options, such as the apomorphine pump and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), highlight the importance of seeking multiple opinions and staying informed about medical conditions and available treatments.
