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  • in reply to: Trouble with TMS tech #6018

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    That is fantastic news. I’m glad to see that this adjustment has yielded such positive results. So excited to read that your treatment is continuing and offering benefit!

    in reply to: Scared That Depression Will Crawl Back #5876

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi samiam:

    Your best move here is to keep working very closely with your doctor. They know your situation the best and will be able to help quantify the results of your TMS as well as how to move forward after treatment – both practically and logistically.

    I imagine that taking a high stress job during treatment would greatly conflate the issues you are seeking to alleviate. At the very least, it certainly adds a new layer of stress to your already delicate situation. Does your doctor know about you taking this job? If so, they should be able to help you navigate the best ways forward as you continue your treatment.

    in reply to: Completely relapsed after about 25 sessions #5871

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi nicjsb:
    By its very definition, TMS Therapy is not a last measure for treatment. True, many find relief with TMS, but not all. If your symptoms are more persistent there are other treatment options. It is extremely important that you keep in very open and regular communication with your doctor – both about your concerns and their opinion on how best to move forward.

    If in the end it turns out TMS did not produce the results you were hoping for, that can be very deflating and scary and you are well justified if you feel that way at the moment. But please remember that there are other treatment options available.

    We are rooting for you. please let us know how it turns out for you.

    in reply to: Trouble with TMS tech #5870

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi barbm:

    I personally tend to take a team approach to these kind of situations in life (ie receiving ANY medical treatment), so working in coordination with someone is extremely important to me. If you feel the same way and your current tech is not reciprocating, then it may be time to explore solutions to get everyone on the same page.

    The resolution may be as simple as fixing a miscommunication or something that requires a more involved solution. Either way, TMS is a very involved therapy as is, and requires a great deal of open communication and planning. If already there are issues and they cannot be resolved, you owe it to get in a situation where you are able to focus on getting healthy.

    in reply to: TMS cause constant Anxiety? #5869

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi abqcyco70:

    So sorry to hear about this. Something to keep in mind is that when TMS successfully treats Depression it can reveal co-occurring conditions that the Depression previously hid — Anxiety being a common one.

    It may seem a little cliche to say “it’s a process”, but it really IS a process. If your depression symptoms are relieved this may be the opportunity to work out your Anxiety issues next. Your doctor will best guide you through that and it’s good to see you are working together to map your path forward.

    A clear, focused, and optimistic mindset may feel impossible at the moment, all the more reason to let your family and your support network lift you up right now. Keep working with your doctor, trust the process before you, and rely on your network for support.

    TMS worked for your Depression and that’s really big, now it’s on to the other parts that need attention. You can do this!

    in reply to: Memory loss #5851

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    To echo colleencasey, memory loss is not an identified side effect of TMS Therapy. Definitely feels like something worth exploring with your doctor, as TMS Therapy should not be causing this issue, and it’s important to rule out any potential causes.

    in reply to: Starting TMS tomorrow at the VA hospital #5731

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi Papa Peter

    Wanted to know how your TMS Treatment course ended. You seemed very positive at the outset, I sincerely hope the results were what you needed and were looking for! Good or bad, let us know how TMS turned out for you.

    in reply to: Why Does TMS Therapy Work? #5730

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi hope it works
    Sorry this reply is coming a little late, but wanted to know whether you were still in a bad way? I’m very sorry to hear about your daughter, and I hope her surgery went well.

    There are certainly some pros and cons to consider when it comes to TMS versus ECT. It really boils down to what are your expectations and what are you willing to compromise.

    TMS takes longer for effects to kick in than ECT and most physicians will probably agree that ECT is more effective just on the whole. However, TMS has drastically less side effects and is completely outpatient (no time away from life and family). No doubt the effects of ECT are drastic and pronounced, whereas TMS can often have a more subtle effect. For these reasons and more, many doctors view the hierarchy of treatment as 1st Therapy; 2nd Medication; 3rd TMS; 4th ECT.

    in reply to: Failure #5729

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    I think it’s true that protocols for TMS Therapy are actively being tweaked, but based on everything I’ve read about protocol for TMS Therapy it seems more along the lines of fine-tuning than major shifts. Of course, most of the literature about protocol for the clinical use of TMS Therapy pertains to Major Depressive Disorder.

    I imagine that other conditions which are not FDA-cleared might be approached with more latitude – thus the big differences. Either way, I’ve never heard of 10 minute sessions. I think 20 was the shortest I heard, and that was in a research setting, not a clinical one.

    in reply to: increased anxiety.. but decreased depression? #5728

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi 1995scooby1995

    Wanted to know how you made out with your TMS course.

    My understanding is that it is common for there to be co-morbidity with Depression, Anxiety in particular. It’s not that TMS causes anxiety, but that when it starts treating the Depression, the pre-existing anxiety becomes pronounced because Depression isn’t competing with it. From what I’ve read on this forum and other places, it is not unheard of for doctors to start a regiment to treat anxiety along with TMS Therapy.

    in reply to: Anhedonia and lethargy #5379

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi sooxie:

    Just wondering how your anhedonia and lethargy have progressed? I’ve heard of some people experience slight lethargy during treatments, but not necessarily after them. I’m not sure I’ve encountered any claim of anhedonia before. Hopefully all is well.

    – Dave

    in reply to: Not sure I will make it #5322

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi chrisxxcross
    I think Colleen raised a great point about TMS Therapy ultimately being a medical procedure that may have its own challenges. TMS does affect everyone differently, but my understanding is that the scalp pain should subside after the first few weeks. If not, don’t hesitate to bug your doctor or the TMS Technician about your concerns and any physical pain.

    Also agree with Colleen, please keep coming back here whenever you feel you need that support. I’m rooting for you!

    – Dave

    in reply to: Treatment number 14 today…needing encouragement. #5302

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi Martha:

    So Sorry to hear about these issues with getting access to TMS. Colleen is right about checking out the patient locator on the neurostar site, and there is a doctor locator on this page (http://tmsyou.com/directory), but I think not all doctors are on this one. Depending on where you live, there may be a couple options for TMS doctors

    As for insurance, there can be a lot of variation in coverage and that can be very frustrating. If TMS is not covered by your insurance you have two big options.

    1. Neurostar has a patient resource where they can help work with you to get your insurance to cover the treatment in your specific instance. The website for that is here (https://neurostar.com/hcp/reimbursement-support/neurostar-reimbursement-services/) or you can call them directly at 1-877-622-2867

    2. Your doctor may be able to work with you to directly appeal your health insurance to cover the cost. This route has helped patients in the past and may work for you, but you’ll have to work closely with your doctor.

    in reply to: Seeking positive stories #5243

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi jennawriter:

    It’s been a couple days since your post and sorry there’s been no replies. My word of encouragement is that whether TMS works for you or not (of course we’re HOPING it works!), but whether it works or not, you are still fighting for yourself and your health and that’s what matters. Going through a TMS course is hard no matter how you slice it – so many emotional ups and downs, plus the added general stress that comes with any medical treatment.

    Regardless of what happens, you’ll be stronger for your decision to get better and one way or another you’ll be closer to your optimal health.

    All the love and support, and please let us know how you’re doing!
    – Dave

    in reply to: Encouragement #5178

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Fightingforme, thank you for the inspirational words!

    in reply to: The reality of meds… #5171

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    FightingForme:
    Very sorry to hear about your father.

    I know there’s a lot of research into whether TMS helps Fibromyalgia pain. Let us know if that has a positive effect.

    Best Luck!

    in reply to: Scared this isn't working #5170

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Otis:

    Sorry to hear this news. One thing to remember is that every person responds differently to TMS. Some may feel noticeably and dramatically better after the 4th week, whereas for some, it may take PAST the end of a full 6-7 weeks of treatment to feel anything, and some may not even notice they are feeling better altogether until someone points it out. The point being that right now it is rough, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t getting better.

    On the whole, it is very important to follow the direction of your doctor. They are familiar with your case, and can help you determine if TMS is actually taking effect. Either way, hang in there. I’m rooting for you!.

    in reply to: Help….. #5161

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi fightingforme:

    Thank you for your kind words of empathy and also for sharing your story. It means a lot to hear me to hear how others have fared, and I definitely hope that you are able to stay with TMS and that it brings you relief.

    The forums here do seem to be a little light on activity lately, but I know I’m usually checking in and I think a good bit of people are looking up this forum from time to time.

    Hopefully you stick around and share how your course of treatment goes. TMS doesn’t always work for everyone, but I think these forums have a really supportive community behind it and I know I’d like to send you all the encouragement on you getting better!

    in reply to: Starting tomorrow #5118

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    ylla333, any update on how your treatments went? Hopefully the “metal beak” feeling was downgraded to something much more manageable.

    in reply to: I've had both types of TMS therapy #5117

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    That’s very interesting. Thank you for sharing your experience. With Brainsway hitting more markets, I’m sure a lot of people will be interested in knowing more about the differences in effects between the two.

    Something I’ve noticed is that Maintenance Treatments for TMS are becoming more common, with some people getting a boost ever couple months or maybe even just once a year. It’s an area of TMS that I think a lot of doctors are exploring and debating. But maybe that is something that will work for many people, to just get a maintenance treatment after initial course.

    in reply to: Starting 3rd week of treatment #5070

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi 75Olds
    Not feeling those results right away can be very discouraging. Every person is different but it is not uncommon for people to not notice any results until AFTER treatment ends. Improvement with TMS is a kind of a subtle growth that can be hard to notice at first and you might be doing better than you realize. This is all the more reason to work and communicate with your doctor during your treatment in effort to help measure progress.

    Hope all that helps. Please stick around and let us know how you are doing. It’s great to have you on the forum!

    in reply to: Ineffective for me as well #4881

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi Camilo:

    I just wanted to comment on your post, (and I also read your other posts). First, I’m very sorry to hear that TMS has not yielded the results you were hoping for. Based on what you’ve written, it seems like you and your doctor are doing all the right things, including the booster sessions. I believe that in clinical research the rate of success is about 60-70 percent of patients. So TMS does not work for everyone.

    There is a lot of research into combining TMS with talk therapy or pharmacological treatments to get a more complete relief. Not to say anything other than depression is extremely unique and people respond differently to different treatments. The right combination of treatment for you is out there and I have faith for you that it will be found. The right treatment for you may end up involving TMS as the whole or as a part. Also, I believe the most important thing to take away from this is that your depression is responding to treatment, so if nothing else hold onto that.

    Hopefully TMS ends up working for you, but either way please keep us up to date and let us know how you’re doing!

    in reply to: Hi #4711

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Greg:

    That is great news. Keep us updated and let us know how it goes!

    in reply to: Feeling worse during the beginning #4702

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi almarge:

    I’ve been thinking about you since your initial post. Have you made any improvements as your treatment rolls on? Hope all is well with you.

    in reply to: Hi #4701

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi Greg,
    I was reading your comments and I feel for you. TMS is gaining ground with insurance companies, and things are getting better every year with coverage, but not having that coverage can present a burden for sure. You seem to have a great and determined spirit about it though, so please keep holding onto that!

    As for insurance help, this site covers some general insurance and payment ins and outs that might serve as a good starter: http://tmsyou.com/tms-patients/insurance-and-payments/ If your TMS doctor uses the Neurostar, then I think that calling their NeuroStar Reimbursement Support Program at 1-877-622-2867 may also be a good route for you. This is official through the device manufacturer; they may be able to help you understand your benefits and I think they can even contact your insurance provider on your behalf. Also, you may be able to appeal to your insurance carrier yourself, which of the three avenues in front of you (doctor, Neuronetics, self) might be the most powerful one.

    TMS is a viable therapy and it’s out there; it’s not going away. So don’t despair. Insurance can be tricky, but you do have resources. Please let us know how you made out.

    in reply to: Feeling worse during the beginning #4679

    Dave_Wigfield
    Keymaster

    Hi Gandolfication:
    I too am looking for more activity in this forum. As I understand it though, this is a pretty new website and they’re still building a following for the forum. You and I and colleencasey may be some of the first to be on here. But like colleen, I haven’t found a forum for TMS that has a ton of activity. It is still pretty new therapy though, as far as being on the market, so maybe that has something to do with it. This site does have a lot of information though, so that’s something…

Viewing 26 posts - 1 through 26 (of 26 total)