Neurosurgery - Deep brain stimulation - post surgery discharge information

• You will be discharged from ward H7 - 0161 206 4610
• The ward staff will ensure that a district nurse referral or inform you that a GP visit is required for suture removal. This can be anywhere between 7-10 days post operative and will be outlined on the discharge summary
• Dressings can usually be removed from your chest wound (inclusive of steri-strips) 7 days post operative. If you are unsure, please contact the service
• If you wear glasses, please take extra care with the wound site behind your ear, until healed. This can often irritate the wound whilst healing. This might be uncomfortable for you also
• You are advised if washing your hair, not to rub the wound harshly and to avoid any friction around this site when drying whilst the wound is healing
• You will have received a letter from Lucy Partington-Smith detailing your date to visit Ward BTU for your initial programming of your stimulator. If you have not received this, please let your nurse know this so that they can confirm the date for you prior to discharge
• You may require an overnight bed pre-programming, but you will be advised in your letter from Lucy Partington-Smith
• If you take any Anti Parkinson medication, unless otherwise instructed, continue to take this post surgery at the same time and at the same dose prescribed
• It is usual for some patients to experience some immediate post operative discomfort (pain after surgery). If you require any analgesia post-surgery (pain relief) for this discomfort, we recommend Paracetamol 1g 4-6 hourly in the first instance
• You are advised not to drive for approximately 6 weeks post- surgery to allow your chest wound to heal. Please inform/update the DVLA and your insurance company
• You will be given a patient programmer upon discharge. This is a device to help you be independent in managing your symptoms (we will explain this to you once you come for your programming session in greater detail). This is to be kept with you until you see Lucy Partington-Smith at your initial programming visit, following this visit she will explain what to do with this in the future
• Please ensure that you charge and bring all your equipment to your programming appointment
• An ID card will be issued to you from Medtronic with your battery identification information. You will need this to show airport security as you will not be able to pass through the airport scanner post DBS surgery 
• After surgery you will not be able to fly for 6-12 weeks due to post operative healing and programming, discuss with your specialist nurse if you have any concerns
• It is suggested that if you are currently working, recovery time is estimated at around 4-6 weeks. You may need to obtain a sick note, prior to discharge following surgery
• Please read the Medtronic information you are provided with regarding the general safety advice and guidance

If you have any queries or concerns regarding your DBS stimulator surgically or medically, please contact:

Lucy Partington-Smith - Tel: 0161 206 8516
Deep Brain Stimulation and Advanced Therapy Nurse Specialist in Movement Disorders

Leanne Hotchkiss - Tel: 07858 685156
Associate Deep Brain Stimulation Nurse Specialist

Lynne Glover - Tel: 0161 206 2574
Professor Silverdale’s secretary (for general administration queries i.e. appointment times)

Stephanie Carney - Tel: 0161 206 5061
Mr Evans/Mr Ellenbogen secretary (for general administration queries, i.e. appointment times)

Suzanne Lennon - Tel: 0161 206 2356
Lucy Partington-Smith and Leanne Hotchkiss secretary (for general enquiries)

If your Specialist Nurse is unable to take your call, please leave a message with their secretary (Suzanne Lennon) regarding your query and contact details. They will get back to you in a timely manner.

If you feel unwell or you feel your concern is urgent and you want an immediate response and are unable to speak with the team at Salford Royal Hospital, then please contact your own GP for advice/action. They can contact the Neurosciences department if deemed necessary.