SARASOTA – It has been nearly three years since SNN interviewed Patrick ‘PJ’ Delaney and got an exclusive look into his brain as he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery.
“I’m just like the bionic man,” said PJ Delaney, who is fighting Parkinson’s. “I can live with all these changes.”
Nearly three years have gone by since PJ Delaney underwent Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. Since the surgery PJ has lost all of his dyskinesia. In other words,
“I don’t have the shakes anymore,” says PJ.
PJ was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, and as time went by his symptoms got progressively worse. In 2019, PJ opted for DBS Surgery, a procedure that’s been known to help thousands with severe Parkinson’s. Post-op results showed improvements with PJ’s pain and dyskinesia.
He’s been able to ride his bike in the pool and even get back on the golf course. Three years later, between cycling and physical therapy, PJ works every day to get his strength back and continue perfecting his swing.
“I have certain exercises that I do, to get me loose and keep me motivated.” “You have to keep the mind going and the activities going and keep pushing harder and harder every day,” says PJ.
In the time PJ is not building muscle, he spends his time with his kids and grandkids, and his partner, Diane.
“She’s my rock, I couldn’t do it without her,” says PJ. “She’s right on the case everyday push, push-pushing me.”
PJ’s message to others is to get checked annually and go through the proper testing. But most importantly…
“Don’t ever give up, don’t ever give up, just keep fighting,” says PJ.
PJ’s next goal is to get back in the swimming pool, until then he continues to build muscle daily.
For a look at ‘Inside PJ’s Brain’ series, you can visit SNN’s YouTube page here.
