Today marks the tenth anniversary of being released from the Neuro ICU after my life-altering Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery the day before. The four-hour procedure, during which the patient must stay awake, was conducted on November 5th, 2014.

Although not the most terrifying or dangerous situation encountered in my 62 years, brain surgery is right up there in the top three for intensity, mostly due to its length. Of particular discomfort was the drilling of two holes in my skull.