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Sadmommy:
Thinking of you.
ColleenClaire:
Your post spoke to me. I cannot tell you how much I relate to your words and what I interpret the meaning to be behind them. What I would like to say is continue doing what you are doing! You are speaking to all of us in one way or another. It is helpful, inspiring and confirming to me personally and I am sure to others. My process is similar to what I am reading in your post. It was encouraging to me and I am sure to others who process in a similar fashion. I love to learn and am motivated by others too. For those of us that advocate for TMS or other issues in the Mental Health arena, it keeps us in touch with our depression history and inspires us to keep working for all of us who have and/or are suffering from depression. I am glad you found this forum and look forward to your continued contribution.Thank you
Greg:
I am so hopeful for you. This sounds like the process; the brain waking up. It takes its time stretching and yawning and taking deep breaths slowly and methodically. Every successful TMS Treated patient and those who have not had success with treatment that I know, supports every other TMS Patient in treatment or considering TMS with hopeful wishes, so you are receiving positive vibes from all over. Thanks so much for posting. It is important that we all stay connected because of the importance of advocacy work in the Mental Health Field. Your journey is inspiring! Sending my best to you Greg. Keep us updated.
ColleenClaire:
Welcome to TMS + You. The information and support you receive here can be quite helpful in your journey.
I only speak from a patient perspective. I do believe gandolfication speaks accurately about the points he made in comparing ECT and TMS. His advice, “a treating psychiatrist should be able to speak much more intelligently about the pros and cons of each.” is an important direction to follow. There are certain criteria, like with any medical treatment, that determine an appropriate candidate for TMS. A knowledgeable administering TMS psychiatrist should be able to perform an assessment and guide you with choices.
Because there is not a definite criteria that can predict the outcome of TMS Treatments, the same end as ECT, the choice if considered, rests ultimately with the patient. Gathering as much information as possible and consulting a competent doctor are important elements in the decision making process.
Please keep us posted and know that we are here to support you.gandolfication:
I was happy to see you post. I have wondered how you are doing and if you have decided on another option to treat your depression. Would be interested in an update if you are agreeable. We are here to support all, not just those who were successfully treated by TMS.
ColleenGreg:
Sending hope and positive thoughts for an effective outcome to the recalibration. This is no doubt a challenging time. Sounds like your doctor is supportive and knowledgeable. Please keep us posted. Really pulling for you.Sadmommy:
It is discouraging when you invest so much hope into a treatment for your depression and the outcome may not be what you and your doctor wanted.
Your account of faith in and gratitude for your doctor’s expertise can be a stabilizer on your journey to mental health. As long as there is still another avenue to try to reach your goal, then there is continued hope. When listening to testimonials of people with many difficult mental health diagnoses, a common thread to recovery seems to be guidance from a knowledgeable, compassionate doctor who is willing to walk the path side by side with her/his patient, as the patient does their work towards managing/recovering from their illness. From your account, it sounds like you have this.
More importantly though, when discouraged and doubt settles in, listen to the voice inside that drives you to continue to try new options in combating your illness; the voice that although at times is weary and tired, does not give up and just settles.
Support from a network of caring people can be quite helpful. Besides your medical team, family and friends, and TMS + You, there are local support groups in most areas with members who have walked the road before us, who share valuable suggestions and insights that may contribute to our arsenal of tools and skills.
Globally there is much funding and activity being invested in brain research, so there is new understanding and treatments on the horizon. Keep walking forward no matter what roadblocks you happen on.
Keep in touch. You and your experience are important.
Racergreg:
I am grateful to join the community of TMS patient/patient loved ones supports – Thanks! I appreciate the way you address the transition from being depressed to a life free of depression. Four years later and I am still amazed at what I learn and grow from every day that I would not have pre-TMS. TMS does not stop giving. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.Greg:
It’s great that you wrote about your experience of stepping backwards so we can offer support. First and foremost is communicating this experience with your TMS Coordinator and your doctor on a consistent basis. Because everyone’s history and experience is different, they are your experts and they can help you more accurately identify what is happening and manage the occurrences daily (from a medically professional perspective).
As for the dip, I compare it to a swinging pendulum. It seems that sometimes TMS creates an experience of polar opposites. Before we go up into recovery, we reach further down into our illness. If the dip is what is occurring, it is short-lived (compared to what you have been through being depressed for a long period of time), although from moment to moment it may not seem like that.
Reach deep into yourself, as you have done to manage this illness and use all of your supports necessary to see you through. Self-care and self-compassion can be helpful.
Keep in touch.
sadmommy:
You are ½ way through your sessions. The good news is that it is not unusual not to see progress yet. And the better news is that you are determined to see treatment through to the last one.In an article on the TMS Health and Wellness website, it says, “Over time, mood is affected (when treated with TMS). Because depression is mostly caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, TMS therapy can help restore balance and relieve the symptoms of depression without the use of medication.”
http://tmshealthandwellness.com/how-does-transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-tms-work/
It can be quite challenging to be patient and let the treatment take its course. To be effective, it does take time though. I know words are not quite as comforting as we would like them to be, but science does show that the results are progressive and accumulative.
It is nice that you are able to use this site to express your frustrations, as treatment can be challenging and difficult for various reasons and we need an outlet to release them. Keep in touch.
Sending support.
Greg:
It is great news about the improvement in your panic feelings!
Changes are noticeable for some patients early on and others later in treatment or even after the fact. Treatment is a unique experience unto itself.
I think Murphy’s Law needs to move on down the road and there is no way to jinx TMS! So one day at a time.
You reflect a positive attitude about confronting your illness in spite of its challenges – what an asset to possess.
Will look forward to hearing from you.Thanks Greg. With great support from my doctor and his staff, I was able to push through the challenges that arose during treatment. From your posts it seems like you possess that same quality too! Without realizing it at the time, I drew strength from others (especially my doctor and his staff) and their belief in my abilities to confront the challenges of mental illness.
I am pulling for you and wish you the best outcome with your treatments. I look forward to your continued posts!
Thanks Martha. I am so grateful to my doctor for introducing this treatment in our area. I, like you, am passionate about public education. It is difficult to explain the transformation that has and continues to, occur in my life. I grow daily because my brain is “reset”. I believe everyone has a right to be aware and informed about TMS. With people like you and the opportunities afforded us by TMS + You, we have an avenue with a wider range to pursue this endeavor.
I hope all is well and send my support regarding your efforts with TMS awareness.
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This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by
colleencasey.
There are so many variables with sleep disturbance, it probably would be difficult to ascribe one cause but your TMS Coordinator or doctor may be able to help you identify more closely the cause, as they know your history. I hope this is a good sign Greg.
First I would like to commend your efforts in continuing to move forward with a path to combat your illness and secondly for presenting your disappointing experience with such integrity.
I am saddened that your experience had the outcome it did. I agree with Greg that from what I have read and discussed with others, (including several doctors), is that typically (there are variations) treatment is 30 days with roughly 3 treatments of tapering. What is disturbing is the lack of professional care you received. There are several experiences of patients who did not see results until after 30 days – after treatment ended.
TMS is a medical procedure and like others does not work for everyone. It is a risk no doubt. But there is much activity and focus in brain research occurring around the world right now and hopefully soon scientists will be able to advance treatments so they are more effective.
I keep in touch with a patient out West who has had a similar experience with an inept doctor. TMS did not work for her. She had to be hospitalized and is now being treated by a doctor whom she said really cares how she is doing. A combination of decreasing ECT treatments and the right meds and she is doing better. She has more good than bad days now, which is a vast improvement.
Good luck with your efforts and know advancements are being made routinely. I do hope you have found a doctor who cares about you and your mental health and employees every effort to help you with your persistence in dealing with depression.
With respect,
Colleen
Greg:
Unfortunately depression is well misunderstood, partly because of the lack of visual cues signifying that there is an illness present. Sometimes we feel very much alone because there is so little, for others who do not suffer or who are not exposed to someone afflicted, to relate to.It is our illness and ultimately we are responsible for persisting against this and other challenges in order to manage our depression. Easy? no, not at all, especially at work. Continuing to communicate about depression and supporting public education will help with this issue.
There are those in life who have faced lesser challenges and others who have faced more difficult ones. Remember, it is what you do with your illness that is most important. And know that the appearance of a lack of empathy or patience from others may be related to a lack of experience and/or knowledge about depression.
Stay in touch.
Good Morning sadmommy:
I have to support Colin06’s response. Sometimes it feels like your situation is worsening rather than improving through treatment. I almost stopped after two weeks but had much needed support and encouragement from my doctor and his staff to continue. It is early in your treatment. If you are experiencing the dip, the positive aspect is that it is temporary. Treatment can be challenging and takes patience that sometimes seems in short supply. Use your resources (including this site) for strength and support. Let us know how your are doing. Take care.
Greg:
Reading your post brought me to a place of reflection about the feelings I had in regard to working during treatment. No doubt it is a challenge. For me it became a positive (even though it didn’t feel that at the time) distraction from a constant and intense wonder and fear as to whether treatment was going to work. There may be an advantage to being there (even though it may not feel it or be apparent).Undergoing treatment can be a double T – Tough and Temporary. It is still early in treatment to have a definitive read in regard to the results. It is obvious that you use the powerful tool of Hope.
Greg, take good care of yourself. Your courage and strength have brought you this far in managing this illness and will continue to keep you steadfast.
Sending support.
Greg:
I am happy the info is helpful. Your spirit is infectious! Often as the first week of treatment concludes, so to does the intensity of the discomfort. Can you believe you have a week of treatments behind you?! My best for the weekend.Greg:
You mentioned you were finding it difficult to work while undergoing treatment. I struggled some also. One thing that did help was I changed my work schedule. At first I would go to treatment in the morning (it was 2 hours away) and then went to work. I was able to work in the evening because I managed a residential facility. But I found I was quite tired after treatment. So I was able to alter my schedule to work early morning till mid afternoon. Then I went to treatment and went home. Even though it still was a challenge (well worth the undertaking), it became less of one with just that adjustment. If you have flexibility maybe a schedule change might help.Feelings and responses to treatment are fluid so each day is its own experience. As suggested by Martha, writing is a great tool. I wrote of my feelings and experiences of treatment everyday and now use it as a gratitude source.
Here’s to continued hope and support!
Great News Greg! Plan B worked! Good for you. We have much more support to offer should it be needed. Sending my best for a successful treatment path. Will be thinking of you supporting your efforts and hope.
Greg:
I was happy to read your response post to Dave. It is great that you are looking forward to working with this Dr. Trust and faith in your doctor is a very important part of your efforts. Your determination and focus will advance you no doubt. Please keep in touch with this site as we are all invested in supporting each others’ efforts to improve our lives. My positive thoughts are with you as you proceed with this.
ColleenMartha:
Gregory’s quote, “Depression is such a self help illness, . . .” reminds me of your commitment to your own mental health as you describe going through booster treatments at this time. Thanks for being so transparent with regard to your path. It sets a model for us all who struggle with this illness. Thinking of you.
ColleenGregory:
As I was by your story on The Doctor’s, I am moved by your post. Your quote, “Depression is such a self help illness,…” is striking, wow. It is amazing how we can go through such devastation as you describe in your story and still rise after TMS treatments. I will look forward to the wisdom you offer in subsequent posts. Best wishes in this new year.
ColleenGreg:
Your persistence with Plan B deserves support and encouragement. There are different options for payment for consideration. Here are a few ideas. Several patients I saw when I was a TMS Coordinator for a brief time applied for and received a bank loan for the treatment. One of the financial officers at one of the banks I spoke with said many of their personal loans were for medical procedures. One used their house for collateral, another used a truck. A family member or a friend may be willing to do this also. Some patients received loans from family members directly and with insurance companies progressing towards treatment approval and coverage, reimbursement is a possibility. External appeals with insurance is an option for coverage, usually after treatment.
The TMS Coordinator at the doctor’s office may be able to offer other ideas. Communication with her/him regularly can be very helpful.
With respect for your forward motion,
ColleenGregory:
I saw your story on the Doctors’ and know your input and advocacy will be a valuable contribution to those suffering and their loved ones. Your story provides much needed encouragement. I heard a quote the other day that spoke to me and is reflective of the mission of this site: When someone helps you save your life, you then turn and help someone else save theirs.
Glad to connect with you.
ColleenGreg:
I just posted under Encouragement to Others before I read the posts on this forum so I won’t repeat. But I will support Racergreg’s post 100%! There are payment options available and each doctor offers slightly different, individualized financial programs so it is important to follow Racergreg’s advice to locate and consult with a doctor providing TMS Treatment asap. I suffered with depression for 60 years and have been depression free (receiving maintenance once a year) without medication since treatment. Taking care of yourself first (as Racergreg states) is paramount!. Stay connected to TMS + YOU for continued support and information. TMS is a viable option to explore.
With warmest regards
ColleenTwo or three consecutive treatments once a year seems to be my pattern to maintain my progress. Symptoms start to emerge each May. The sooner I undergo treatment, the less treatments I need. I agree with Racergreg, do not hesitate if boosters are needed.
gandolfication:
Because TMS is a new, innovative treatment option, it will take time to advance all avenues of information and support systems as well as public education and forums regarding TMS. I also have attempted to locate TMS forums previous to discovering TMS + You. Unfortunately the offerings I found were minimal and the most recent posts were in 2012.
As TMS + You is in its inception, its development will most likely progress to address your areas of interest as well as related topics raised by other participants. Because you posted your comments, chances are a dialogue will begin.
The first source of information for your question, “One (perhaps multifaceted) topic I am especially interested in is What Factors or Things Should Patients Know To Do that can Increase Likelihood and Degree of Benefit?” might be your doctor and TMS Coordinator. They observe first hand the process, outcomes and patient involvement and actions they (the patients) have taken to confront and deal with their depression in conjunction with TMS treatments. Your doctor and TMS Coordinator also are privy to the latest research on TMS related topics.
Being proactive such as you are by asking questions and soliciting information to support your efforts to deal with depression and the TMS Treatments, is a strong asset. Every person’s experience with TMS is different, as much as there may be some generic similarities. Keeping a close connect and communication with my doctor, the TMS Coordinator and staff was key to helping me through the ups and downs of treatment and advancing my success. Also continuing to acquire a broad knowledge of what activities are helpful in confronting depression symptoms and engaging in those activities when possible can be helpful. Watching videos, reading articles, etc., can provide valuable tools to you in supporting your efforts. Asking for support throughout treatment if you need it can also advance positive thinking releasing those valuable endorphins!
I am not sure if this would be helpful, but I came across this today:
http://www.pinterest.com/aguthrie1960/tms/
Best wishes in your journey.I’ll second that Colin06! And previous to TMS the outlook wasn’t optimistic. Gratitude flows.
Colin06:
It sounds like you are pleased with the outcome of your TMS Treatments. I think you your advice is strong and on point. I felt the same as you during Treatment – that it wasn’t going to work, but it did. It does take the “courage” that you refer to. Continued health!almarge:
The response to treatment is quite individual. On one end of the spectrum some patients feel better almost immediately while at the other end, some don’t feel improvement until after the end of treatment. This site addresses the real issue of the “dip” which some but not all patients experience. Some patients feel better, then worse, then better throughout treatment. If you are feeling discouraged, your supports both professional and personal/family as well as this site may provide the encouragement you need. TMS can be challenging at times just like other medical treatments. Communicating with your TMS coordinator as well as your prescribing physician can provide strength, encouragement and guidance. Good Luck. -
This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by
