Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for long-term depression

Posted by Bax @tbaxter33, Mar 16, 2018

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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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

Just started my Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS). Would like to hear from others who have had this experience. Thanks!

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not working

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In reply to @lstamler "not working" + (show)
Profile picture for lstamler @lstamler

not working

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I would never let anyone convince me to have such treatment. my God ! It is like a horror show you would see in old movies. So sorry but this is just my opinion.

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

Just started my Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS). Would like to hear from others who have had this experience. Thanks!

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its not so bad but would not help for axiety

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

Just started my Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS). Would like to hear from others who have had this experience. Thanks!

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Didn't help me.

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Profile picture for joannemm34293 @joannemm30809

I agree. Look at all the trillions and trillions of dollars are federal government sends overseas etc or all these pork barrel projects full of ridiculous pork projects here we have Americans wandering the streets many of them homeless and a good majority of them mentally ill and not getting any treatment at all and even people like me and my husband and my husband pays out the back side for his medical insurance that we still have huge deductibles to me and copays etc and then you think about all the Americans that have absolutely no medical insurance and a lot of these treatments that could help them They have to come up with huge amounts of cash just to get treatment to save themselves from either committing suicide or going out on the street and destroying other people because their mental stability has declined. I cannot believe our country is more interested in helping people around the world yeah we even have military veterans that are sleeping under bridges right now, homeless and without any mental help at all. I am so so disgusted with our medical health industry. And the complete lack of care regarding mental health in this country and it's got to do with money money, if you don't have the money you do not get the treatment. Just like me I've suffered for a long time with neurological symptoms and a lot of these debilitating neurological symptoms have now caused me to have chronic anxiety and chronic panic attacks and now full-blown depression with this 3-year covid virus still going on and it's just insanity at this point yet our politicians, almost all of them from both political parties are absolutely clueless and I can bet a good majority just do not give a darn. Follow the money.

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you hit the nail on the head

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

Just started my Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS). Would like to hear from others who have had this experience. Thanks!

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it made my depression and anxiety worse

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Profile picture for baseballmom33 @baseballmom33

you hit the nail on the head

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Most foreign aide is money to buy American products and American grown grain.
Your tax for expenditures on foreign aid are very low. It averages $43.00.per tax payer.
You’re been given misinformation by the Rage Farm types.

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Profile picture for warrenemt @warrenemt

Most foreign aide is money to buy American products and American grown grain.
Your tax for expenditures on foreign aid are very low. It averages $43.00.per tax payer.
You’re been given misinformation by the Rage Farm types.

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my thing is how our govt doesn't help improve our mental facilities and better mental health for patients. They need to put more money into this

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Profile picture for Shirley Hugh-Jesst @audriana

I have Medicare and private insurance. I was getting solicitation calls after I first inquired.
In Fayetteville, NC, we have a health desert.
I would have to drive 5 times weekly, over 500 miles/week, for several weeks.
As of now, I'm going to focus on my Spravato treatments. I'm edging along, slowly making progress.
Good luck with your quest.

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did spravato help

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Profile picture for clutch @clutch

Just started my Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy (TMS). Would like to hear from others who have had this experience. Thanks!

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Please explain more about what this therapy does.

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