1. < Depression & Anxiety

Has Anyone Had Success with TMS Therapy?

Posted by ellemccope @ellemccope, Dec 1 11:14am

Has anyone had success with TMS Therapy? I have just completed 12 out of 36 sessions but do not, yet, feel any relief from my treatment resistant depression and anxiety. If you’ve had success, how long did it take before you started noticing an improvement in symptoms?

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depressedbutnotdead | @depressedbutnotdead | 6 days ago

Thanks for posting this. I didn't know there were forums here on the topic, but it was recommended to me some time back. I briefly looked into it, and it is intriguing to me. Right now I'm in a good place and not feeling the need to seek a new avenue. But I'm going to keep my hat in this one so if things go south again, I'll have some info to help me make a decision.

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ellemccope | @ellemccope | 5 days ago
In reply to @peeteer22 "ellemccope, I had to get back on Sertraline (Zoloft) and Lorazepam (Ativan). I am managing fairly..." + (show)
@peeteer22

ellemccope,
I had to get back on Sertraline (Zoloft) and Lorazepam (Ativan).
I am managing fairly well. I try to stay on 3 Lorazepam a day. I take the 3rd Lorazepam at bedtime. Unfortunately, they stop working in the morning anytime from 4 AM when I wake up, the awful depression always hits me. Often I take half a Lorazipam to help till about 9:30 AM. Then I take my regular 1 pill of Zoloft and Lorazepam. The rest I take spaced out during the day. I want to retire, but my brother wants to drop at his bench. I'm 80 he's 90. So this is causing the majority of my depression. We argue a lot about this.
Try to take it a day at a time even with this damn sickness swirling around in our heads.
I really, really hope that you find a solution to your problems and get some
of the fun? part back in your life.
Good Luck.

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Hi, Pete - I’m so sorry for all that you’re going through. I took Zoloft from 1996 to 2020 when it “pooped out” on me. So, for the last 4 years, my psychiatrist and I have tried numerous other meds and they either didn’t work or the side effects were intolerable. Now, I’m trying TMS therapy.
Please take care of yourself —take some “me” time everyday, if you can, to relax, unwind and do something you enjoy. Most of all, please remember you’re not alone. There are so many wonderful people like you on this forum who understand and empathize with what you’re experiencing . We’re all on this journey together.
I wish you all the best and feel free to reach out whenever you need to.

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peeteer22 | @peeteer22 | 4 days ago

ellemccope,
Thanks for your words of kind support.
How well did any Psychiatrists help you if any?
I'm looking for one. A good one is hiding
somewhere in a Haystack.
Stay well.

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ellemccope | @ellemccope | 4 days ago

I’ve had success with psychiatrists here in TX.

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fauxpause | @fauxpause | 3 days ago

I had TMS this July and August. Since I retired in January, I've had severe depression and PTSD. The constant self-hatred of the PTSD , crying out how stupid I was, what a dumbass I was, nobody liked me, etc. was almost unbearable. TMS has 98% stopped it. If I SEE something that triggers me, I may go back to my PTSD for a little while but can find my way out. The thoughts that were just randomly created by my own mind are basically gone. I am still having problems with motivation and getting out of bed, but there is a huge improvement in my quality of life. The election has set me on my heels, so whatever improvement I may have been getting has been reduced. I'm able to watch the news now so I may still be getting improvements! I started noticing results about 2 weeks into treatment. I had a few mild reactions to it, mostly slight dizziness. Hope this helps.

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ellemccope | @ellemccope | 2 days ago
In reply to @fauxpause "I had TMS this July and August. Since I retired in January, I've had severe depression..." + (show)
@fauxpause

I had TMS this July and August. Since I retired in January, I've had severe depression and PTSD. The constant self-hatred of the PTSD , crying out how stupid I was, what a dumbass I was, nobody liked me, etc. was almost unbearable. TMS has 98% stopped it. If I SEE something that triggers me, I may go back to my PTSD for a little while but can find my way out. The thoughts that were just randomly created by my own mind are basically gone. I am still having problems with motivation and getting out of bed, but there is a huge improvement in my quality of life. The election has set me on my heels, so whatever improvement I may have been getting has been reduced. I'm able to watch the news now so I may still be getting improvements! I started noticing results about 2 weeks into treatment. I had a few mild reactions to it, mostly slight dizziness. Hope this helps.

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Hi! I’m so glad to hear of your success with TMS, and I truly appreciate your kindness and willingness to share your experience! Your success gives me the inspiration to continue on my journey with my TMS therapy.
I wish you continued good health and thank you, again!

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buffyzoe | @buffyzoe | 1 day ago

Yes I have also had success did first in 2022, seems to last about about 16 months. I did another set form 2024 36 treatments, by the end I felt great. I have also been using a alfa stim unit that I got thru medicare. I have been using since april 2024 it is considered a CES or cranial electric stimulator. It allow a signal to go through brain waves really seems to help a lot with depression. With sleeping not so much, also I am a cancer survivor. I still have anxiety and some focus but they are much better now. I attribute to TMS, and alfa stim, my therapist not so much. But it does help to talk over things. Do your research bu i am a nurse i do it anyway. Hope you do it and take the chance. i realize I should have done something like this sooner. At 68 years old I feel like i am starting all over with a newslate to write on. Enjoy life daily it too short for everyone, laugh daily.

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1 reply
ellemccope | @ellemccope | 1 day ago
In reply to @buffyzoe "Yes I have also had success did first in 2022, seems to last about about 16..." + (show)
@buffyzoe

Yes I have also had success did first in 2022, seems to last about about 16 months. I did another set form 2024 36 treatments, by the end I felt great. I have also been using a alfa stim unit that I got thru medicare. I have been using since april 2024 it is considered a CES or cranial electric stimulator. It allow a signal to go through brain waves really seems to help a lot with depression. With sleeping not so much, also I am a cancer survivor. I still have anxiety and some focus but they are much better now. I attribute to TMS, and alfa stim, my therapist not so much. But it does help to talk over things. Do your research bu i am a nurse i do it anyway. Hope you do it and take the chance. i realize I should have done something like this sooner. At 68 years old I feel like i am starting all over with a newslate to write on. Enjoy life daily it too short for everyone, laugh daily.

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Hi, BuffyZoe! Thank you for responding to my question. It was so sweet of you!
Firstly, I’m so happy your TMS treatments have been successful both times. Today, will be my 23rd treatment and I’m hoping and praying I will have success like you.
Secondly, I hope you realize what a strong and resilient person you are to have battled and survived cancer and to have persevered and continue to through depression and anxiety. I admire you immensely! You give me strength and courage.
Thirdly, I have never heard of CES or the alfa stim unit. I will definitely research it and talk with my psychiatrist about it. Thank you for sharing the info.
Finally, I commend you for being a nurse. Nurses are very special people who bring so much comfort to others.
I wish you much good health in the New Year! Take care and thank you, again, so much!

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ellemccope | @ellemccope | 21 hours ago

TMS is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.

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