Poppo's Electric Brain (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781496104380)

When Jack McDonald was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2001, brain surgery was the furthest thing from his mind. By 2004, Jack, the owner of a graphic design firm for thirty years, began to find it extremely difficult to meet with clients. His handwriting had became nearly illegible, he shook uncontrollably during meetings, and he found it difficult to focus on even simple tasks. In 2005 he sold his business. The next several years were spent trying most of the medications available for Parkinson's patients. Jack volunteered for a variety of drug studies, hoping to make some contribution to finding a cure. By 2009 drug-induced dyskinesia had become a real problem. He moved and wiggled a large part of each day. It had become embarrasing to eat in public. Going to movies became nearly impossible. He and his wife would sit two seats apart because of his violent movement during intense scenes. Even sleeping became a nightly ordeal of twisting, turning, and more shaking. In 2012, Jack's neurologist suggested Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, or DBS for short. At first Jack thought it was unnecessary. Brain surgery is not something you casually say yes to. Then he realized that DBS was an easy decision. He could go on shaking, wiggling and feeling crummy, or he could do something about it. In 2013 Jack had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Poppo's Electric Brain, inspired by his grandchildren's humorous comments and reactions, is an inside look at how DBS surgery affects the entire family. Although DBS is not a cure for Parkinson's, it has made a remarkable difference in the quality of life for Jack and his family. Now, a year after surgery, he is dining out and sitting next to his wife, Gilda, in movies.