Starting tomorrow

Sooxie, were you only approved for 30 treatments – no tapers?

Sooxie and NeedMoreCowbell:

Just sending support and encouragement as you travel the journey through TMS treatments. I didn’t know what life was like without depression previous to TMS, but I can attest to the fact that for me, my life continues to progress in a positive, life altering manner. It is surreal to me that I can manage, cope and enjoy the diversity of life and life experiences. No doubt it is pretty rough at times, but not due to depression, just due to life’s offerings. The difference is that I do not have the roadblock of depression stopping me from coping, problem-solving and moving forward through those times. The journaling and use of DBT as well as improvements in guilt and controlling life choices are all strengths you are using to move ahead. It is inspiring!
There is much hope in your posts. I look forward to your future writings.

Sooxie – I don’t want to over-step boundaries, but have you heard of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)? It was originally designed for women with Borderline Personality Disorder, but over the last decade or so the psychiatric community has evolved and it’s used to treat depression, PTSD, anxiety… It is a very structured, group or individual, approach to therapy where you learn skills and then practice them. And it saved my life a few times before the idea of TMS was introduced to me in 2013.

I’m not sure if it’s okay to post non-TMS links here, but I’d like to suggest you look it up. We could probably both use some practice in “opposite action” to get from the couch to the sink and other stuff we both seem to be avoiding or have no energy for ;-). Others here might also find it helpful. I could go on about how it is not available nearly as much as it should be, but that’s another subject all together.

Best,
NeedMoreCowbell

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

Tuwineza: I am NOT a doctor, I am a patient. I can offer informal information. First of all though, the issues you raise should definitely be discussed with your doctor. TMS still has various unknowns in terms of individual responses to treatment regarding depression and any off label use. Medication issues definitely should be discussed with your doctor. Also, your issues with relapse with addictions and TMS is another issue to be discussed with your medical provider and support team. TMS is a new treatment that has much potential, but is still only approved for MDD. With that said, there are studies being done that show positive results (NOT ABSOLUTE) in off label uses such as pain management, addiction, etc. I have spoken to my doctor and he has seen positive effects with some of his patients in these areas while treating patients for MDD. But again, he always refers to the scientific research that is published on a continuum. Your TMS medical team should be communicated with every step of the way throughout your treatment and with each issue that arises because of individual differences.
I had TMS five years ago this January and have had a different life since. I had MDD for 60 years previous, was on countless meds and combos, was suicidal, in hospitals, etc., etc. We all have a story. Now I am in remission, off all meds and am living a much improved quality of life. I have been advocating for TMS Public Education and just this month presented at the NYS NAMI Conference on the topic of TMS as a treatment option. What a change from being lethargic, depressed and unable to live a quality life.
I am sending support and encouragement for you to: !. Stay very connected to your medical treatment team, 2. Know that this may be an up and down path during treatment, but that does not predict the outcome. Some people, myself included, did not see positive results till after treatment ended and experienced a variety of mood swings during treatment, 3. Stay connected with your support systems and this site. TMS outcomes are apparent at different stages for everyone. Their are no predictors. Just travel the path one day at a time. And don’t give up unless it is suggested by your doctor. It can sometimes be tempting, but stay true to your goal of improved health.
Good luck. If you are up to it, post how you are doing!

I just found this site and information on TMS out of depseration of helping my 27 year old son. He’s having suicidal thoughts and my heart is breaking. This year has been the worse. I’m afraid his Medicaid will not cover this treatment, and we do not have the resources or credit to privately fund this treament. I”m afraid to tell him about it only to get his hopes up and then have them dashed.

Colleencasey – I appreciated your post from 12/1/15, particularly how the last 5 years have been. I wish this forum was much more visited and used by those particularly whom have had and not have the success you have in order to better know the possiblities. I will continue following this site and pray that we can get my son into this therapy program.