I had bi-lateral DBS in 2003. I have rather severe Cervicle Dystonia , Tardive Dyskenesia , Cerebral Palsey, etc. I knew that
DBS was not a cure, but I hoped it would help alleviate some of my symptoms. Little did I know what problems I would have as a result. I was told that the surgery had gone well. Even before the batteries were in, there was definite improvement in my speech. My TD seemed to disappear. I was sent home. As I recall; the batteries went in about 1 week later. That surgery The  hurt more, but I was glad it was done. The Neurotransmitters  had to be programmed.  This took a toll on me BOTH physically and emotionally. I so hoped that the optimum setting would be found. There were times I'd walk out of the programmer's office feeling great, straight, I'd go home and by the next morning I was back to where I started. My neck aimed down. to the right and then made a turn. I could not do much. I was basically bedridden....and miserable. I was told that I should try Botox again- that did not work. After 3 years, I needed battery replacement. I went to NYC and it was done there. I had basically made no progress, so instead of giving up; I changed programmers. That made no difference. I bounced from programmer - finally, after 4 programmers; I was  labeled as "unprogrammable". I had no choice but to accept that.
I had my last battery replacement about 18 months ago.  That's when the REAL problems started. my skin could not hold the weight of the battery. My battery on my left side became horridbly infected- a staph infection which ALMOST killed me. The battery was ultimately taken out. The surgeon blamed me - my skin was too thin- He felt I neglected to thoroughly cleanse it. Everytime I got it clean, it broke the skin.

After that, my scalp was getting infected where the leads were. After a while, the leads were removed. AGAIN- I was at fault- my scalp was too thin?

By my knowledge, I will probably need a new battery on my right side (the only remaining battery) I'm scared for obvious reasons.

My experience with DBS has not been positive- but; I am just one VERY unlucky person. IF I had it to do over again; I would NOT have DBS.  Hindsight is 20/20.