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Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for long-term depression
Does anyone have any experience with TMS therapy for long term depression? I have fought the demons of depression for years. Some days are better than others, but finding the emotional energy to do anything other than go to work and do the job is next to impossible most of the time now. I have been on several different medications over the years. I can't say that any particular one made a notable difference at all. I am continually frustrated with a lack of energy and a lack of desire to do the things that I once enjoyed, and that I had looked forward to at this stage of life. Every day, I pretty much feel like "this is it" -- as good as it is ever going to get -- and the opportunity of any meaningful contribution of life is over -- done -- finished. Retirement is something that I longed for over the years. As it draws nearer, I fear it because I see myself just fading away and soon gone. So, I ask about TMS therapy. It is very expensive, requires a huge time committement, and is not covered by medical insurance. I have spoken with doctors (psychiatrists) at a couple of top hospitals in the nation and have not gotten stellar reports from them. The consensus was that it works for some but not for others and the success rates are fair at best overall. Having said that, my doc says they have seen amazing results from the therapy and people complete it and the negative thoughts are pretty much gone. He says their success rate is extremely high. I have not done it because: a) too much time away from work; b) too costly and not covered by medical insurance; c) the reports from two docs from world known excellent institutions which were not glowing. I have searched for answers for years, with none. Now, I have developed chronic pain in the lumbar area, legs, neck, shoulders, arms, etc. I am working on the back with a major pain managment group with some injections which I hope will help.
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tMS takes a long time to work. If after 5 weeks you see no improvement, you may want to have your brain remapped. Most ins co will pay for one remapping. 4 weeks after my remapping, I am feeling some improvement. Don’t give up.
I’m currently in the middle of my TMS treatments and just noticed or realized that my PTSD is coming back and I’m more depressed now than I was when I first started. I’m taking Prozac for the past four years and a big side effect is that it makes me numb like I’m just walking through life like a zombie no emotion reactions. It’s a horrible experience. I know these treatments affect everyone differently. I want to know if anyone has had this type of effect from these treatments. I’m considering stopping the treatments because I don’t want to relive the PTSD. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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1 ReactionWhat you are experiencing can be a side effect for sure. I was just reading about that last night. So, for some it works, for some it doesn’t and for some, it makes them worse. Everything is risky I guess.
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1 ReactionI’ve done 2 courses of TMS, but mine were for depression, so not the same as yours, even though I also suffer with migraines. My migraines are controlled by Botox injections every 3 months. My experience with TMS did not reactivate my PTSD, but did help the depression.
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1 ReactionRight now I don’t see any benefits coming from the TMS as it seems to be working against me with regards to my depression and PTSD.
I believe I’m in the third category unfortunately, but not sure if I’m going to finish the treatments or not. As I like like I have much to lose.
What is remapping my brain and how is this achieved? How has it helped yourself?
Remapping is a technique by which the person in charge decides which area of your brain to stimulate. Sometimes, if no change in mood, they can try to stimulate other areas.
Hope this helps.
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3 ReactionsYes, everyone reacts differently to the treatment and I’m really sorry that it hasn’t worked for you. I know how frustrating it can be to hear that something works for someone else, but doesn’t work for you at all. Depression and PTSD suck the life out of you. I hope that your doctor can find something that works for you soon.
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4 ReactionsThank you so much for your compassion support and understanding. People who’ve not been diagnosed with mental health issues don’t have a clue as to what we (people diagnosed) actually go through and deal with in a daily basis. I really appreciate your kindness, support, and compassion. I see my actual psychiatrist on Thursday to discuss how the treatments are going and to discuss my medications. Hugs 🤗
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