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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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Thank you! Helpful info. Thanks for sharing!
Pat
Worked for me. 100% resolved
Waiting for TMS for neuropathic pain. No clinical trials yet, to my knowledge. This is coming, however.
Works really well for me, but wears off after about three months. Then we repeat it. Still very worth it to me, as it works better than anything else in over 30 years. And since we now use rTMS (rapid TMS) here in Rochester, I only have to sit there for three minutes. It takes me longer to park!
I've had no side effects, and it's been effective for me six out of seven times over the past five years. The only time it was less successful was complicated by the death of one of my parents.
The only difficulty for me is waiting for about three weeks (that's for me) before I see any improvement.
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1 ReactionI used a low level TMS device at home for two months, I don't recommend it. If I did it again I would definitely seek professional support.
Reply to @clutch
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I've suffered from major depressive disorder and anxiety almost my entire life, and at 75 find myself resigned. Tried several antidepressants, all which had horrid effects that I just did not want to deal with: night terrors, hallucinations and visual disturbances. For example: not fun seeing huge black spider crawling up the wall, across the ceiling and drop down right in front of my face!); seeing what seemed like millions of tiny, multi-legged black insects crawling all over me and my covers; seeing an opening in the wall above my bed and little people poke their heads out. Night terrors: whooshing sounds by my ears followed by floating "presence" in my bedroom wanting to harm me; feeling my bed move as something/someone pressed down on the mattress. And one medication in particular made my brain feel like it was about to implode, along with deep sensitive of impending death, followed by one of my worst migraine episodes. No way I wanted any of that!
So I asked a medical professional to devise a plan so that I could stop taking the last antidepressant which I was on and was not working, Serzone (the generic for Zoloft). It was hell but over a period of almost 8 months, I was down to just a tincture. Had to have the tincture and be weaned off that because I was having heavy-head feeling and "air sounds" in my ears. Irritability and feeling out of sorts also. I was off that finally but still felt unwell for nearly a year afterwards (ruined my ability to focus and enjoy our younger daughter's wedding, something that I'm upset about to this day and it was nearly twelve years ago). So I take NOTHING. Life is definitely difficult, coupled with all the pain problems that I have, but I just cannot take any more chances with any antidepressants. Uh-uh!
So I was so excited when I learned about the TMS procedure! And my insurance would cover it in full! HOWEVER -- I was not eligible for the procedure because I have a history of brain lesions....
Now that I've read how it has not really helped via the postings here on this site, I'm glad that I did not undergo the treatment. I'll continue dealing with the devil that I know as opposed to what I may have to deal with resulting from any medication. . Presently doing therapy via zoom, and while it does help to have someone to talk to, I can't say that it's helping much.
I take one day at a time.
I wish you days with hope and joy.🌺
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1 ReactionDear @chistiania
I myself have just started TMS treatments and I’m currently on my 10th treatment today. I am also experiencing severe hot flashes and pain on the right side of my belly since the past couple treatments, along with worsening of my anxiety with severe pains in my chest. I am so disappointed because I was very hopeful that this was gonna be what was gonna work for me. I am struggling every day just to get to the next. Since I’ve started experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks, I find myself very sensitive to anything I do or put in my body. And I am still trying to find a treatment that works for me. I’m reaching out to you because you have experienced the same side effects as I and I feel as if I will be needing to stop treatment as well. I was wondering if you mind letting me know what has worked for you medication’s etc.
Thanks
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1 ReactionI have tried atleast 8 different anti anxiety rx. ALL have horrible side effects on me & very dangerous possibilities.
I have been suggested by my Dr to try this procedure. It is a commitment about 6 weeks long daily 20 minute sessions. Could be up to $15,000 out of pocket.
There are no guaranties.
I have Mayos information.
Please share your experiences.
I have tried gut therapy, increasing my water , supplements, daily walking, weekly massages and a healthy diet.
Thank you!!!
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3 Reactionsin reply to @johnbluffside Hi, here is something to check out.
https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms-for-depression/
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3 ReactionsThank you very much for sharing !!!