TMS?

[JayV]

Hi has any one been through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for depression? Thats next for me and would love to hear from people who have been through it. Little bit uncertain but can't go on the way l am 😕

[james1]

Hey JayV, I haven't heard of that to be honest and the Wikipedia page seems to just go over my head. Is this something your doctor suggested? It can often be hard to gauge how a therapy will work for you until you try it, but equally it's good you're trying to get more information. Have you asked your doctor why they think this might be suited?

James

[Debzmites]

Hi Jay

i haven't had TMS myself, although I've met quite a few people at the hospital who are having the treatment. It doesn't hurt, they have treatment twice a day, takes 20 minutes I believe. There's no harm or anything to worry about trying it.

I know one person who goes in to hospital once a month for 3 days top up treatment. Initially it's 4 weeks in hospital for a full round, then maintenance. I've also met another person who only has maintenance when required, which is about 9 months. Everyone responds differently. I haven't heard any bad stories and I've met a lot of people who have this treatment.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease.

Deb

[Debzmites]

The positive feedback I hear is great, one guy was in about week 3 of his initial treatment and he said it was as if a light was turns on, he felt so much better.

Someone else has trouble walking and the TMS helps with that, its anxiety related problem.

Lots of positive feedback Jay. Best of luck xx

[JayV]

Hi James1

TMS was a treatment suggested by my Pyschiatrist after all other treatments (drugs) failed to improve my anxiety and depression. Magnetic currents stimulate the part of the brain that affect mood. It requires hospitalisation for at least 3 weeks and my shrink thinks it will work well on me. Heres hoping! I hope that you are not suffering too badly and wish you all the best 😊 Jay x

[JayV]

Thanks Deb. I was hoping for positive feed back as this is kind of a last resort for me 😕 Anti anxiety and anti depressants not working any more, l am virtually house bound..or bed bound! My condituon has changed my life in so many ways, l miss the old Jay 😕 Hopefully after TMS may find her again. I hope you are not struggling too much and thank you for your reply. Kind regards J x

[Sophie_M]

Hi JayV, we have another thread on this which may provide some further anecdotes and information:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/treatments-health-professionals-and-therapies/transcranial-magnetic-stimulation-(tms)-and-maois

[nixy360]

Hey guys,

I am in hospital at the moment receiving TMS therapy. I have had 15 out of 20 sessions. I have it for approx 30min Monday - Friday. I'm getting pretty good results from it. I was very similar in that I have been on antidepressants for a long time and they were starting to lose effect. I don't feel 'amazing', but I am feeling a lot more motivated now to get out of bed of a morning and participate in daily activities. I've heard of other people getting pretty good results from it as well. It can be quite uncomfortable during the treatment session, and I tend to get headaches afterwards. But for me the benefits far out way the negatives.

Good luck with everything 🙂

[nevereverquit]

Hi JayV,

I am new to this website and joined specifically to get some feedback on TMS.

i have suffered with PTSD since childhood and although i have made some great progress through philosophy and meditation, the illness has been with me for 48 years and doesn't shift easily and so i still experience acute episodes of anxiety.

I see this is an old forum but was wondering if you have undergone the treatment yet and how it has affected you as i am considering it myself.

[Grace925]

Hi. Just had 2nd TMS treatment today. 25 years of trying different antidepressants and am tired of thinking 'this is it'? Always struggled with depression since teenager, but a bad accident and loss of close friend to MND has seen me spiral significantly in last 5 years. Never found a medication that didn't make me feel like a zombie, be quite violently ill or rage! Definitely medication is not the answer. Feel like my job is in jeopardy as it is getting harder to get out of bed. I know TMS is still considered experimental, but would love to hear more recent feedback. I am doing this as outpatient and despite all the wonderful efforts and messages about being open about mental health- I am hiding this from my work and certain friends. I need the TMS to work to assist with the biological symptoms of depression, that are stopping me from making decisions/changes getting out there that will help make life changes. Would really like to hear how people are managing the feeling of isolation - even when surrounded by friends. But mainly, how TMS has impacted them. Thanks