Hosts Larry and Rebecca Gifford are preparing for Larry's DBS surgery scheduled for October 24, 2023. During the evaluation for DBS surgery. Larry needed to completely go off meds for at least 12 hours. The medical team tests motor symptoms while OFF levodopa and then after taking a dosage and waiting forty minutes repeat the tests. Evaluators were looking for a 40% or more difference in my motor symptoms from OFF to ON. It was truly revelatory to see just how much levodopa, the medication commonly used for Parkinson's, impacts daily life. MAIL Larry and Rebecca: [email protected] LEAVE US A MESSAGE: Have a topic or questions that you would like Larry & Rebecca to address on a future episode? We would love you to click here and leave a message  https://www.speakpipe.com/WhenLifeGivesYouParkinsons WATCH: Here is a link to see a comparison of Larry ON Levodopa and OFF levodopa Follow us, Larry & Rebecca Gifford  Twitter: @ParkinsonsPod Facebook: Facebook.com/ParkinsonsPod Instagram: @parkinsonspod Thanks to Curiouscast Dila Velazquez – Story Producer Greg Schott – Sound Design Our Presenting Partner is Parkinson Canada. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? You are not alone. Contact presenting partner Parkinson Canada http://www.parkinson.ca/, call the toll free hotline 1-800-565-3000 or on Twitter you can message @ParkinsonCanada. Thanks also to    PD Avengers – We are building a global alliance to end Parkinson’s. Join us. www.pdavengers.com