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It’s been almost three weeks since surgery, time for my mind to regroup, with huge amounts of support from friends and family I have come to the conclusion …..It's completely understandable to feel a sense of loss or abandonment after undergoing DBS surgery. It can be a major life change and it's natural to mourn the loss of the strategies and routines I have built up over the last 10 years. However, it's important to remember that my journey doesn't end with the surgery – it's just a new chapter in my story.
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge that can still be valuable to others living with Parkinson's, even in this new phase of my journey. My insights into the process of DBS surgery and the adjustments I and my medical team are making post-surgery can be incredibly helpful to those who are considering or undergoing the same procedure.
I am focused on the new opportunities and ways I can continue to support and connect with others in the Parkinson's community. My journey is far from over, and my experiences can still inspire and uplift others on their own paths.
Thank you to all my friends, family, and supporters who have been there for me every step of the way. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me. I couldn't do this without you all by my side. You are my rock, my inspiration, and my motivation to keep pushing forward. Thank you for being my Margie's Parkies (you know like…Taylor’s Swifties). You all hold a special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful for your unwavering support.
Dr. Reddy. Neurosurgeon.
As a way of showing my gratitude I have put together a new playlist for your OR team. Hope you like it. Let me start with you.
Even after having a halo jammed into my scalp and four shots of something jabbed into my brain “I Feel Good”
You make me smile Dr. Reddy…You are a brilliant surgeon and a gentleman. Here is your song.
DBS/OR Medical Technician.
You knew I was trouble the minute I was wheeled into your OR fighting to get off the table, undoing the straps that bound me, writhing my way out of the compression boots, yelling in pain. And all could have been avoided if you had just let me “walk it off” even “just standing and rocking would have solved the issue. Hear is your song.
Barbara & Gaby
Your calm, assuring stroke of my arm was beyond kindness. You took me step by step through the process, never leaving my side and you were there once it was over. Here is your song.
Margie’s Parkies.
The hundreds of FB/instagram well wishes from all over the world, from childhood friends to my professional colleagues, to friends and family….the responses to my daughter Bronwyn’s posts was unbelievable. It truly was and still is a humbling experience. Thank you does not even touch how grateful I am. Each one of you has touched my life in a positive way, thank you for allowing me to learn from that.
Here is your song. I love this song, I adore the Natalie Merchant…she has an amazing voice. I feel it depicts our circus life so accurately.
Hallie & Stephanie.
You know I wanted this badly! Through every obstacle you battled through, never giving up until you got the green light. Thank you for believing in me and for your kick-ass tenacity. Here is your song.
ICU Neuro @ AdvenHealth Celebration.
Oh my goodness…were they ever patient with me!!!!
All they needed to do was offer me this type of painkillers….Here is their song.
Dr. Lotia . Neurologist.
You and your team right from the start believed that the DBS would improve my daily life….for this I am grateful to you. I am in awe of the passion you have for your patients, caregivers , friends and family. You 100% care that they have the best quality of life. This was evident in the work you do within the community. As in the symposium you lead…this was for us, the community, to educate us in the way we could understand the best way to make our lives more joyful. Thank you and your team for being our CHEERLEADERS. This song is for you.
Dr. Isa. Neurologist.
For supporting me the minute you said Parkinson’s…The start of something new. For never allowing me to pity myself you rather encouraged my art, my obsession to climb mountains and my reasoning that I was given PD to share my experiences with others diagnosed with Parkinson’s. And then, as the symptoms progressed to seek out DBS…Thank you. You are my hero. Here is your song.
Courtney.
Thank you for not allowing me to wallow in the new found bliss of DBS but reminding me as a board member, there is work to be done. The foundation needs money and lots of it!!! Not only for the science behind finding a cure but, to support the many neurological support programs which are offered free to the community. I have this feeling that your board members are going to do magical things this year. Thank you for your extraordinary board leadership. Here is your song.
In closing I would be remiss if I did not express my gratitude to Cigna Health Care Insurance. They went above and beyond.
Thank you to all of the above people for allowing me to put together the next Dr. Reddy DBS playlist. LOL.
With love .
Margaret Burns-Kohn.
