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Hi, my name is Kat. Earlier today my psychiatrist mentioned the posibility of starting TMS therapy. I wanted to do research before starting and was hoping to get as much information, positive and negative, from people who have actually gone through it.
A little bit of history…
I’m almost 24 and have severe anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder (and a lot of trauma from various things, unsure if ive ever been diagnosed with PTSD). I also have fibromyalgia. I have been on medications since i was around 13. I’ve reached a point where i dont seem to be improving…I cant say I’m suicidal as I would never kill myself (because i know what it would do to my family), however I am stuck feeling like I want to die constantly. My anxiety is really affecting my work and obviously my life. I suffer from disociation as a coping mechanism and these days I am more often disociated than I am present. I spoke with my doctor about all of this earlier and thats when she brought up the potential of TMS therapy. I know its not guaranteed to work, but I would love to hear about anyones experuience where it has helped. Also from people that it didnt help. Was it painful? I know its not supposed to be, but that doesnt mean it isnt. Sorry if this is all kind of disjointed. I really appreciate anyone who reads this and is able to respond. Thank you.Hi Kat! Here is my experience: I am 60 and have had depression for 50 years. A strong family history (6 suicides). I also have PTSD and anxiety – although it was managed well. I was struggling – not wanting to live another day. I tried TMS, it took about 34 sessions before I felt better. I went alone, never hurt (but I have thick hair). I completed in early December 2018. I am off all medication, my PTSD is much improved (I did bilateral) and it has helped my anxiety quite a bit. I recently found myself becoming depressed again and called for maintenance. First session they took me from base to 100 and second from 100-120 (my high level). I will do one more tomorrow then check my mood in 3 months. Make sure you use Neurostar and go every time! The biggest pain was in my pocketbook! But I am saving on psychiatrist bills, medication, counselors and side effects!! So I consider it a win! Don’t be afraid – not painful at all! My sister who also has depression is trying to get approved to do it also. It was so wonderful to wake up and look forward to my day! Never realized everyone else just automatically felt that way! Reality is that about 55% are improved with minimal to no maintenance. But some have no improvement and some have negative effects, no idea why. I hope this helps you make a decision and that it works for you. I feel very fortunate that I found it.
One last thing: studies are showing that TMS will increase your threshold of pain. I have found this to be true, so maintenance before a surgery, etc are helpful.
Hi Kat 95- I would suggest that you give TMS a try, you can read through my posts here that follow my journey. Today is my last day of regular treatment # 30, then I taper down for two more weeks and I am done. In short, I was worried that I was getting nothing out of the treatment for awhile, I had bouts of depression here and there which made it hard, but finally I felt a lift and it has stayed with me so far. The lift isn’t dramatic but it’s enough that it takes away the daily feeling of depression which is a great feeling in itself. Good luck to you. And be sensible about what you read here on the forum, I let it scare me initially.
@kat95,
It’s totally worth it to do. I failed all medications typically day 1 because they excerbated my involuntary movement disorder (except Lithium & Rilutek off label) which both just made me more depressed & confused. TMS has made a big improvement in my life. I’m not out of depression entirely, but I was crying all day everyday and constantly thinking of suicide. Now I’m not! I’ve been able to get my kids back in sports & am taking them to Disney World this week. I wish you luck on your journey 🍀. I have to take Valium nightly so this is partly why I’m not 100% out of depression I’m sure.@sunnybrook,
What was the longevity of your TMS treatments on your depression? I know boosters are necessary, just curious how long yours lasted.
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