Real Stories, Real Strengths- Bob’s Story

Bob McMillan

Shortly after I retired, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. We decided to move to London because there were more qualified doctors specializing in Parkinson’s.

Over the last 11 years, my life has presented me with numerous challenges at times. Doctors had no luck in controlling my tremors with 4 different drugs, and even trying Botox injections in my left arm, Dr. Jog suggested having DBS surgery (Deep Brain Stimulation). Not everyone receives this opportunity, so I elected to go for it. Unfortunately, they had no luck regulating my tremors after this 8-hour surgery. One year later, the doctors admitted the surgery was a complete failure and asked if I’d undergo a second DBS surgery, putting a third probe in my brain. I elected to undergo it again, hoping to improve my quality of life.

So, with some 10 hours of tests (MRI’s CAT scans, x-rays, and cognitive testing), 16 hours in surgery, 24 hospital visits with over 48 hours of trying different settings on my stimulator, which affects my speech, my walking, my eyesight, my balance, my sleeping, my eating, and my tremors; also affected is my writing, I can no longer sign my name. I’m able to print sometimes, but with a lot of thought. I can still type using the computer.

I’m still fighting and hoping they’ll find the right settings on my stimulator, and I’ll enjoy the balance of my life. They’re close, so hopefully they’ll find that right setting.

In April of 2025, Dr. Lau was so pleased with my tremors being well under control that they decided not to make any changes to my stimulator.

In the meantime, I continue to participate in “Rock Steady Boxing,” knowing it helps to slow the progression of my PD and helps maintain my muscle strength throughout my body.

I have to fight on.