Posted by LifeTime on November 18, 2005, at 12:22:24
In reply to Vagus nerve stimulation, posted by Phil on November 2, 2005, at 11:41:21
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to take a moment to share a non-commercial proactive advocacy website and message forum for those patients and their support person’s interested in sharing experiences and knowledge as it relates to the VNS Therapy for TRD (Treatment Resistant Depression).
The website is: VNSdepression.com
The link to the site is: http://www.vnsdepression.com
By way of additional information my spouse was one of the earliest study participants in the VNS D-01 study for depression. As with all my sharing of experiences and knowledge I do encourage all to be educated and to make informed and un-coerced medical decisions in collaboration with one’s trusted, caring and compassionate, knowledgeable and licensed health care practitioner(s).
Although the VNS Therapy for Depression is recently approved for Depression the biggest obstacle now facing prospective patients is to know whether or not their respective health care insurance companies will pay for the procedures and follow up care. This is going to take time and is currently being handled by Cyberonics Case Managers on a case by case basis. I also inform patients and/or their support people to contact their local legislators and/or the media to put pressure on the payers if at first they are denied. I learned this from the Epilepsy Community who shared their valuable experiences with me relating to the VNS Therapy for their illness.
I also would like to extend a hello to Jerry and I do hope you are doing well. As with all treatments, there is no way of knowing who will or will not respond to any given therapy. Unfortunately, it is what I refer to as the “Trial and Error Approach to Wellness.” I can only encourage those that are challenged by their illness to not give up hope and to keep trying. As a very long-time support person to my spouse, the VNS Therapy has been nothing short of remarkable for her and others that I have collaborated with for some 6 years.
I thank you for the opportunity to share with you folks on this forum and to answer specific questions from our experiences and knowledge on our website and forum.
Lastly, I wish all the good that you would wish for yourselves.
Warmly,
Herb Stein
VNSdepression.com.
poster:LifeTime
thread:574518
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051112/msgs/580036.html