Winnipeg man with Parkinsons gets big boost from DBS surgery

A Winnipeg man battling Parkinsons disease says a new surgery has given him back his life.

Carol and I want to travel, said Doug Martens. We've got trips planned in early December and over Christmas time with our sons.

Ten years ago, Martens was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease a neurological disorder without a cure.

A lot of patients describe it as their muscles are somehow glued up, said Dr. Jerry Krcek a doctor at the Health Sciences Centre.

Martens tried a host of medications to control pain and increase mobility; each, he said, came with their own side effects.

Items like paranoia, items like sweating with one of the drugs, said Martens.

So when the 57 year old heard there was a new surgery that could control his symptoms with a touch of a button, he decided to do it.

Martens underwent deep brain stimulation surgery, which involves inserting wires into his head and sending electrical currents to the brain.

There are about 100 patients in Manitoba who have had DBS, but Krcek cautions the procedure doesnt work for everyone and it isnt a cure.

Still, he said, he expects there to be more done in Manitoba in the future.

Theres more experience long-term with this technology, and its durability is proving itself, said Krcek.

For Martens, the surgery has made a big difference, and now, hes looking forward to being able to blast into life.

The Parkinsons SuperWalk fundraiser is being held Sept. 6 in Winnipeg and Brandon.