Funny Again
“Parkinson’s is funny until it isn’t.” Michael J. Fox.
Something happened during the past few months. Parkinson’s became unfunny to me. It started when my neurologist told me, “You are an ideal candidate for DBS.” DBS is short for deep brain stimulation. It is like a pacemaker for the brain. Electrical current is fed into the brain through surgically implanted wires. It is used in some people living with Parkinson’s to treat some of the symptoms. She explained that I was ideal for DBS because of my symptom profile, medication history, age, and sense of humor (I assume). She asked, “Do you want to be referred to our DBS program?” Being the adventurous go-getter that I am, I replied, “I’ll think about it.”
That’s when the funny in my Parkinson’s started to wane. I felt the weight of the biggest decision of my life. Fear and worry dominated my every experience. Everything that anybody would worry about, I worried about. That is, assuming that everybody worries about the possibility of not getting to see the Red Sox win another World Series if surgery went poorly.
To cope with my worries and fears I did a bunch of unfunny research on the procedure, the statistics (success rates, unwanted effects, etc.), and the post-surgical fashion options (no Red Sox hat for at least a few days). What I took away from all of this research and worry is that none of it is funny.
While unfunny, most of the information I saw and read about DBS was hopeful. I went back and told the neurologist, “Let’s go for it.” I was excited. There was also a new set of worries. Do I need a Living Will or Trust? Who will I give medical and financial power of attorney? How much will I have to pay an attorney fees to set these up? How am I ever going to get this approved by my insurance because I will not have enough money left after I pay the attorney?
In between taking care of these and other worries I had to participate in the DBS “dog and pony show.” This consisted of 5 appointments with various medical professionals in which I had to perform requested tricks and answer preselected questions in order for them to decide if I was eligible for DBS.
Even after they all met and approved me for the procedure, I was still taking myself and Parkinson’s too seriously. The fears and worries were compounding. What if I could never wear any baseball hat again? I truly was excited to have DBS. Why couldn’t I relax and find humor? It’s not like it’s brain surgery…
DBS Info from Michael J. Fox Foundation
Unfunny Yet Hopeful Research Article
Note: Parkinson’s is funny to me again. I am excited and hopeful about DBS. The attorney charged me a fair fee. I am awaiting a date for the surgery. I am going to buy a Red Sox jersey to wear afterwards.
Original Artwork ©2023 Steve Steinberg