Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery Gives Peter Sherwood a New Lease on Life

Just a few months after Peter Sherwood’s retirement in 2017, he got news that would change his life forever. What he thought would be the start of carefree days spent with his wife Laura, turned into navigating a Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

At just 60 years old, Peter began struggling to complete daily tasks due to tremors and mild cognitive loss.

“Simple tasks like getting dressed in the morning became very difficult. I had to stop going to restaurants with my wife because it was almost impossible to eat on my own.”

Peter’s symptoms led to him becoming more anxious and withdrawn.

“As a retired Pastor, I used to enjoy being amongst peers in church pews and at events. After my Parkinson’s diagnosis, I was too anxious to be in that type of environment.”

When Peter was first diagnosed, his doctors had mentioned Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which is a procedure that helps alleviate symptoms of various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease.

The issue – the procedure was only being performed in major cities like Toronto and Halifax at the time.

“I didn’t want to put my family in a financially vulnerable position, just to receive the procedure. The travel and accommodation costs of getting to and from Halifax on a regular basis was not an option for us.”

Thanks to our amazing donors, in 2024, equipment was purchased to allow for DBS procedures to be provided at The Moncton Hospital. This past November, Peter was finally able to get the procedure, just 20 minutes from his home in Salisbury.

“The procedure completely changed my life. When the device was turned on, my tremors disappeared almost immediately.”

The DBS procedure has helped Peter reclaim the life he loves.

“I am reading again. I can take my wife to restaurants again. I can attend church again. I can even golf nine holes again! This procedure has given me my life back.”

The procedures at The Moncton Hospital are performed by neurosurgeon Dr. Antonios El Helou. “The neurosciences team at The Moncton Hospital is committed to being on the leading edge to provide the best possible care for our patients,” said El Helou.

Peter is grateful for the donors who have allowed him to access this procedure.

“I am so appreciative of the donors that gave to support the equipment for this procedure. I am grateful for their generosity. It is because of them that I can be myself again.”

Eight years after his initial diagnosis, at 68 years old, Peter’s retirement may not be what he once pictured, but thanks to DBS, it is brighter, fuller, and filled with moments he thought he had lost.

Peter would like to thank his Neurologist, Dr. Escobar, and the staff of the MIND Clinic, including Megan Gosselin, Neuromodulation Nurse and Dr. Antonios El Helou, Neurosurgeon.

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your story. It is a powerful testament to how medical advancements like DBS can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life.

Peter Sherwood’s experience highlights not only the clinical success of the procedure, but also the importance of local access to specialized health care.

What is DBS?
DBS is a surgical treatment that involves implanting a device, sometimes referred to as a ‘pacemaker for the brain.’ The device sends electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain that can alleviate symptoms of various neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, which substantially improves patients’ symptoms and quality of life.