Sudbury Parkinson's patients say treatment boosts quality of life
Deep Brain Stimulation used to alleviate symptoms of neurodegenerative disorder
Life has become more manageable for two people in Sudbury — and their families — who are living with Parkinson's Disease.
Gary Shyminsky and Len Courchesne have both struggled with common symptoms of the neurodegenerative disorder, including tremors, balance problems and muscle stiffness.
But now, thanks to a procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), both men enjoy a better quality of life.
I'm bowling twice a week. The quality of life is there.- Gary Shyminsky
Shyminsky said before DBS — which involves surgery and an implant — he'd reached the point that he could no longer walk.
When he heard about the procedure, he didn't get his hopes up.
"I was buying it, but, at the same time, I wanted to see it for myself," he said.
After the procedure, Shyminsky said he went through a "honeymoon period" — about a month free of Parkinson's treatment drugs.
Even though some of the symptoms came back, DBS seems to be keeping the worst of them at bay.
"Today, I don't use a scooter or don't use a cane," he said. "I'm bowling twice a week. The quality of life is there."
Family relief
Len Courchesne seems to agree that the treatment helps: the Parkinson's patient bowls with Shyminsky.
Courchesne underwent the DBS procedure about 10 years ago, and has since gone from crawling to walking — and even dancing.
His wife Bonnie said his progress has impacted the whole family in profound ways.
"It was incredible," she said of her husband's immediate improvement post-surgery.
"It was around Christmastime. He helped the nurses take down all the decorations in the department at the Toronto Western Hospital," she said with a chuckle.
"I guess the best day for my daughter was the day that her and her dad had the first dance down the hospital corridor. She had never known her dad with no shaking."
Despite its success in many sufferers, not all people who are living with Parkinson's Disease are candidates for the procedure. April is Parkinson's Awareness Month.