Last week, Dr, Novak turned my DBS on. I didn't have any improvement but I also didn't have any side effects. He moves slow because they cant turn it too high in one visit. I went back on Monday and he turned up the right side (left side of my body) to 4.5V and the left side to 4.2V. As I said before, my left hand opened last time when the voltage was at 4.5. This time, my right hand was much looser and I could move it a little but my left hand was still pretty tight. I'm not that familiar with the settings of the DBS, so Im not sure what he had that at.
I went back and saw him again yesterday. He turned both sides up then had me wait a half hour to make sure I didnt have any side effects. He then turned it up again, had me wait, then turned it up again. At the end of last programming for the day, both hands were moving pretty good. I can now just about open my right hand almost all the way. My left hand is much looser and I can open it but I cant use it because the tendons have shortened so much. I now have to stretch my fingers every day and in a few weeks we will know if I need orthopedic surgery to cut the tendons (I hope not!) I believe the right side is set at 5.3V and the left was at 8V but then he changed the settings and left it at 6V. (who knows what any of this means!)
So I feel pretty good but my left thumb has really been bothering me. Dr. Novak doesnt think it has anything to do with the DBS but it just throbs all the time, so bad I cant sleep at night. I also have a weird pain of the top left side of my head near my incision. I am really hoping its just healing pain or something! Also, since it was turned up yesterday, my left hand has been shaking like crazy. I may have to turn it off and see if it stops and turn it back on later. We'll see.
Anyway, things are looking good and I cant wait to get even more movement!
Hailey is doing great by the way. She had her 15 month appointment and is very healthy. She has gained 2lbs and 2in. since her 1 year appointment. It must be all that eating she loves to do! :) I have been having a lot of fun with her!
I went back and saw him again yesterday. He turned both sides up then had me wait a half hour to make sure I didnt have any side effects. He then turned it up again, had me wait, then turned it up again. At the end of last programming for the day, both hands were moving pretty good. I can now just about open my right hand almost all the way. My left hand is much looser and I can open it but I cant use it because the tendons have shortened so much. I now have to stretch my fingers every day and in a few weeks we will know if I need orthopedic surgery to cut the tendons (I hope not!) I believe the right side is set at 5.3V and the left was at 8V but then he changed the settings and left it at 6V. (who knows what any of this means!)
So I feel pretty good but my left thumb has really been bothering me. Dr. Novak doesnt think it has anything to do with the DBS but it just throbs all the time, so bad I cant sleep at night. I also have a weird pain of the top left side of my head near my incision. I am really hoping its just healing pain or something! Also, since it was turned up yesterday, my left hand has been shaking like crazy. I may have to turn it off and see if it stops and turn it back on later. We'll see.
Anyway, things are looking good and I cant wait to get even more movement!
Hailey is doing great by the way. She had her 15 month appointment and is very healthy. She has gained 2lbs and 2in. since her 1 year appointment. It must be all that eating she loves to do! :) I have been having a lot of fun with her!
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