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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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I don't think I would qualify as having PTSD, even though I am still working through a few small remnants of a trauma that happened over 30 years ago. I also developed depression secondary to autoimmune hypothyroidism after my second child was born. He is now thirty three. Thyroid replacement hormone made no difference in my depression. I struggled for years trying several different meds with varying rates of success, but never feeling fully like myself. I finished 36 TMS treatments about three months ago. I was skeptical. I had ups and downs during treatment. By the 24th to the 28th treatment I felt a massive difference in my clarity of thought, fatigue, and overall general aches and pains. As they decreased the number of treatments I didn't feel as good, but still much better than when I started. I am going to do another round. The Dr that mapped my brain and set the parameters for my treatment told me maintenence is a very real thing that has been and is being researched and they know it works. But most people can't afford to do it and they haven't convinced the insurance companies yet. I can't remember the percentages about people that respond but I will look it up and get back to you. It's encouraging.
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1 ReactionWhat happens 're. the meds. Do you stop them before the treatment or keep taking them?
@jeckerk- Thank you for answering so quickly. Hmmm, I have read that insurance companies do cover it. Did you pay for this out of your pocket?
Your story is encouraging and gives me hope. Had you taken antidepressants prior to this? What about now?
This is interesting. I wonder if Medicare will cover it as I’m eligible next year though number of treatments sound daunting.
Glad you have experienced relief. I’ve tried so many meds for depression and anxiety with little success.
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1 Reaction@merpreb, the meds are continued during TMS. It is thought that the stimulation could cause a positive synergistic response in the brain. At least I read that somewhere and it was my own experience as well.
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1 Reaction@clutch- I have an initial appointment this coming week to discuss this. I'm really excited to discuss this with my new dr. What kind of maintenance are you referring to?
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1 Reaction@merpreb surely would be encouraging to find some that would work. I have mostly given up on such and do my best to keep from allowing depression to be the victor. I think chronic pain has further enhanced the strength of the depression. Still trudging on.
@merpreb , I don't believe it was me talking about maintenance...but it's when a patient needs additional (TMS) Therapy over and beyond the normal 36 round treatments. It keeps the response level up in the brain, hopefully. I havre had two complete rounds of therapy plus six more after this last round. I did get a response both times, albeit small, at the end of treatment. That is the reason we added six more..trying to keep the response up. I am going to try esketamine next.
Let us know how it goes.with your treatment.