Episode 2 – Switched On: Real Experiences of Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep Brain Stimulation can sound terrifying when you first hear about it — and both Jo Tosh and Kuhan Pushparatnam will be the first to admit they felt exactly that way. In this episode, Maria and Vicky are joined by two people navigating it with wisdom, warmth, and a refreshing refusal to let it define them. Jo is a Parkinson’s UK advocate who had DBS three years ago after a decade with Parkinson’s; Kuhan is the co-host of 2 Parkies in a Pod, just five months on from his own procedure. Together, they paint a vivid and honest picture of what DBS is really like — from the surgery itself and the moment the device is switched on, to the gradual (and sometimes unexpected) adjustments that follow.

They cover everything from how DBS differs for everyone, to managing medication changes, navigating airports with an implanted device, and adapting activities like tennis and swimming when coordination shifts post-surgery. Kuhan also shares his excitement about adaptive DBS — cutting-edge technology that reads your brain and adjusts stimulation automatically — while Jo reflects on her role helping to shape the future of DBS care through patient advisory boards.

Both Jo and Kuhan speak about gratitude with a conviction that only comes from knowing what the alternative feels like. Two people, two journeys — and a conversation that stays with you.

Useful Links & Resources

Jo Tosh — Parkinson’s advocate, writer and DBS ambassador
Two Parkies in a Pod — Kuhan Pushparatnam and Dave Clark’s Parkinson’s podcast
More Than a Tremor — Kuhan Pushparatnam’s website, sharing his Parkinson’s story, including videos
Parkinson’s ON — A smartphone app developed by Kuhan, empowering people to take control of their Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s UK YouTube Channel — Including Jo Tosh’s DBS video diary series
Parkinson’s UK — Support and information for everyone affected by Parkinson’s

Timecodes

0:39 — Maria and Vicky catch up and introduce the episode
2:06 — Introducing guests Jo Tosh and Kuhan Pushparatnam
4:06 — The chocolate bar question — and early talk of DBS weight gain
6:12 — Jo and Kuhan share their Parkinson’s and DBS timelines
7:20 — First reactions to hearing about DBS — and why people say no
9:33 — What DBS actually is: electrodes, batteries and how it works
11:32 — Switching on: what to expect after surgery
11:45 — Jo’s gradual adjustment versus Kuhan’s instant effect
14:57 — The symptoms DBS can help with — beyond tremor
17:07 — Jo’s involvement in the Parkinson’s UK DBS video series
18:16 — Medication changes after DBS: Kuhan halves his levodopa dose
20:29 — Managing speech changes and Jo’s famous kitchen discos
21:45 — Dyskinesia, weight gain and returning to sport after DBS
24:19 — When DBS affects coordination: swimming, tennis and adapting
26:36 — Adapting activities — from tennis to pickleball
27:43 — Kuhan introduces adaptive DBS: technology that reads your brain
29:11 — Jo on patient advisory boards and the future of DBS technology
30:33 — The different DBS systems and how patients help choose
33:07 — Charging your DBS device: the practicalities
35:05 — What happens if your device accidentally switches off?
35:33 — Travelling with DBS: airports, magnets and hand luggage
36:41 — Would Jo have gone on her honeymoon without DBS?
37:06 — Gratitude, acceptance and getting a new lease of life
39:42 — The grief cycle, acceptance and the journey to giving back
41:41 — The power of sharing stories: helping others feel less alone
43:12 — Co-production in healthcare: patients as equal partners
45:51 — Family, community and the Parkinson’s support network
46:31 — Jo nearly quit podcasting — and why she didn’t
47:07 — Use it or lose it: why staying active and connected matters
48:49 — Maria and Vicky’s reflections and key takeaways
51:13 — Preview of Episode 3: Climbing with Parkinson’s