Sudbury Parkinson's patients say treatment boosts quality of life

Life has become more manageable for two people in Sudbury and their families who are living withParkinson's Disease.

GaryShyminsky andLenCourchesne have both struggled with common symptoms of the neurodegenerativedisorder, includingtremors, balance problems and muscle stiffness.

But now, thanks to a procedurecalledDeep Brain Stimulation (DBS),both menenjoy a better quality of life.

I'm bowling twice a week.The quality of life is there.-GaryShyminsky

Shyminsky said before DBS which involves surgery and an implant he'd reached thepoint 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 wantedto see it for myself," he said.

After the procedure, Shyminskysaid he went through a "honeymoon period" about a month free of Parkinson's treatment drugs.

Even though some of the symptoms cameback, DBS seems to be keeping the worstof 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

LenCourchesneseems to agree that the treatment helps: the Parkinson's patientbowls with Shyminsky.

Courchesneunderwent theDBS procedureabout 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 thather 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 isParkinson's Awareness Month.