I know I haven’t been around in a while, but let me tell you why. I was time to have my Deep Brain Stimulator batteries replaced. Now that I am home and, on the mend, I am going to share my experience with the rechargeable device, but I am still trying to figure it all out myself. I am not going to put a post out till next week when I have more time to explore the world of becoming an energizer bunny with Parkinson’s style.
I will give you a little teaser though… A couple of things I’ve learned so far is that my former battery lasts 2-3 years till it runs out of juice. My new rechargeable battery last 10-15 years. HUGE difference.
The catch is I have to recharge it regularly. How do I do that and how long does it take? Do I really get a Samsung phone with it? Why don’t all batteries come with the ability to be charged? All these questions I will answer in my next post after I play around with it this week.
Until then my friends, I am wishing you all health and happiness, and maybe a cupcake, because cake makes everything better. Tootles.
thanks Perkie !
rg
My first Medtronic battery only lasted 2 years, so I was happy to get the rechargeable. I find it takes a very short time if I do it daily, so I just tuck part of it in my bra, and I’m able to do whatever. Yeah, having surgery every two years was not an option. DBS literally saved my life, and the rechargeable battery is simple. I consider myself a DBS Diva!
Two years ago I had Medtronic rechargeable in stalled. When I first came across your blog 7years ago I was very intrigued with your dbs.. it took 5 years to get approved for the surgery. I’m very happy I had dbs done (so I do thank you for that as well as the professionals and another friend with dbs)..Although I am often puzzled as to why so many people say it saved their life. If I didn’t have dbs I would still be trying to manage and to be the best I could be..My biggest problem is I have to constantly remind myself I still have Parkinson’s and it’s not going anywhere. As for recharging I try to stick to every second day. It doesn’t take very long then. If I go a week or more it takes forever to charge.
All the best to you and your new recharging.
Meant carpe diem…!l!
Ha-Ha! I like Carpet diem.
sending you lots and lots of light and a bazillion cupcakes… Carpet diem!!!
I had my stimulator battery replaced about 2 years ago. It had a non-rechargeable battery that only lasted 3 years. I was told 3 – 5 years is the average life depending on how your stimulator is programmed. I replaced it with a rechargeable for two reasons: I did not want to have surgery every 3 years and the battery was a little smaller. I recharge mine first thing in the morning and it takes about 15 minutes. No problem at all!
Ummm cupcake…wait, what were we talking about?? Looking forward to a smooth transition to rechargeable technology.
Cake does make everything BETTER!!! Stay well!
Dar
I had the new battery put in about 4 months ago. No need to recharge the battery and
The controller says it will last 11 years .
Allison I have been missing you. So glad to see you back. My morale just went up several notches. Thanks for the update. I have offered a prayer for you. You hang in there with both arms girl. All the best. I plan to give an update on my dip in a while. Still working hard to get through the rough spots I shared with you earlier. God bless.
Hello Wayne,
Nice to hear from you. Keep fighting through those difficult times.
God blesss you..
I have Boston Scientific. You charge the battery charger on a plugged in docking station and then however you decide your charging schedule you slip a mesh collar around your shoulders, you put a weight in the side you don’t have a battery and slip the charger into the other pocket, push a button to turn it on and it will give you fast beeps if your Charger isn’t over your battery making a connection, it’s not charging and that’s your warning it gives 2 quick beeps when fully charged. Totally wireless charging but you really can’t move around to keep the charging connection. DO NOT tuck under your bra or a fitted cami thinking you can tuck it to hold secure to move around. It will create heat to the charger that will interfere with it charging.
Shannan,
Thank you for the tip! I’m getting used to it right now.
I have 2 Medtronic stimulators, both rechargeable. If you use lots of voltage the rechargeable batteries are the only way to go unless you want your battery/batteries changed every 2 or 3 years. I charge a little each night while sitting in bed playing on my phone. When my voltage was lower I could go a whole week without charging.
When I switched from a regular to a rechargeable my programing had to be lowered. The old battery had gotten so weak and I just never noticed.
Hope your feeling better soon and not in too much pain.
Hi Lisa,
Wow! That’s good information. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Is working well? Lately my neck and shoulder are very stiff and aching . Do I lquallify for DBS!
Get well soon. Hope it comes with long enough usb cables!! (-: get some from yo and take it easy
John,
Ha-ha! You know me. I keep fully stocked and prepared. Can’t forget the fro yo!! 😉
I had my battery changed last fall. I didn’t get the rechargeable . It wasn’t recommended for some reason. But the new battery is supposed to last five to seven years. . I still take 12 carbidopa-levodopa tabs (2 every 2 hours) daily.
I feel blessed to be doing as well as I am at 76 years old and 16 years since I was diagnosed.
Wishing you the best,
Diane
Hello Diane,
Thank you for sharing! I will let you know how it goes for me!
🧁🧁🧁🧁Cupcakes for you brave lady! God’s blessings on you always,🌺🌺🌺
Thanks Linda!
If you have Boston Scientific, I charge mine once a week while I’m watching TV. Only takes about a half hour. Love it! Good luck!
Hello Natalie,
I’m Medtronic but I hope it’s comparable!
I hope that the DBS will help you to keep on seizing the day.