NJ Man Says Special Procedure Gave Him Second Chance At Life After Parkinson's Diagnosis
EDISON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey man with early onset Parkinson's disease is praising doctors and a new brain surgical procedure for giving him his life back.
John Leonard Jr. of Brick was in disbelief when he was diagnosed with the disease about 10 years ago.
"It started off with a little tremor, and then it started getting worse, and then I had trouble hiding it," the 46-year-old told 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet. "I thought it would go away, and it just progressively got worse."
The tremors he experienced completely destroyed his quality of life.
NJ Man Says Procedure Changed His Life 10 Years After Parkinson's Diagnosis
About a month ago, he underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery at JFK Medical Center.
The procedure stimulates the areas of the brain that aren't functioning properly until the tremors stop.
Dr. Asif Bashir performed the surgery and said the results are remarkable.
"This is the most satisfying surgery, instant result surgery," Bashir said, stressing, "This is not a cure for Parkinson's. This is only to control all the motor symptoms of the disease."
But it's that control that gives patients their lives back, and Bashir said the results are rewarding.
"This is what really keeps you going," he said.
Leonard now has a new outlook on life and is forever grateful.
"I can't thank these doctors enough," he said. "They've given me a second chance."
