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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Antrock on September 29, 1999, at 11:25:09
I first must say that this is the most intelligent and informative forum on depression that I have come across. That said, I would like to make a comment on Transcranial-Magnetic-Stimulation(TMS). I am currently partaking in a TMS study in Boston, and in my 2nd week. It's a blind study and I'm not supposed to know if I'm getting the real stimulation or sham. I think it's safe to say I'm getting the real deal because I haven't felt this good in 10 years. I cannot even remember the last time I have had this kind of energy, after suffering relentless fatigue for so many years.
Throughout the years I've tried many different meds and never had a positive reponse. Parnate did help to a point, but not nearly as much as this treatment. The effects from TMS are not believed to be permanent and future maintanance treatments might be needed to sustain relief, but for now I am very happy with my decision.
I don't want to get carried away and say this has been 100% effective, I still don't have much sexual drive or a strong ability to experience pleasure, but I feel this will also improve. I still have 3 days left of treatments and hope my response gets even better.
I also would like to mention that I didn't take entering this study lightly, and read everything I could get my hands on regarding the proccess as well as the reported side effects, safety,etc.
I hope this gives someone who hasn't responded to meds some hope to hang in, as hard as it is. As I said, I've lost 10 productive years(21-31)of my life to this affliction and know all to well about hopelessness. There will be a "cure" or improved treatment for this horrible illness in the near future, and whether TMS is it or not, major advances are being made.
I'm greatful I came across this website, and hope my 2 cents can help someone in a similar situation.Antrock
Posted by Bob on September 29, 1999, at 14:44:56
In reply to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, posted by Antrock on September 29, 1999, at 11:25:09
I think one of my first comments on this board was on an ECT thread, asking if anyone had tried TMSr. It's good to hear from someone who has. I'm curious about the treatment and use of psycopharms -- did you have to stop and go through a wash out period to participate? Are the docs running the study using some combination of TMSr/meds?
Just curious,
Bob
Posted by Antrock on September 30, 1999, at 10:07:56
In reply to TMSr questions, posted by Bob on September 29, 1999, at 14:44:56
> I think one of my first comments on this board was on an ECT thread, asking if anyone had tried TMSr. It's good to hear from someone who has. I'm curious about the treatment and use of psycopharms -- did you have to stop and go through a wash out period to participate? Are the docs running the study using some combination of TMSr/meds?
>
> Just curious,
> BobThe study I am in requires the use of Zoloft as an augmentation to the stimulation. There is a 4wk washout period before entering this study, but I wasn't currently on a med, so it didn't apply to me.TMS is supposedly more effective for the melanchonic, a-typical depression rather than an anxiety based depression. Anxiety has never been a component of my illness so I'm hoping TMS will help my symptoms and I feel it has helped a majority of them already. No side effects, no memory loss, actually memory improvement due to the increased energy.
I feel once this treatment is FDA approved, It will change the way depression is treated because new knowledge will be gained on the workings of the brain. Although this treatment is in its infancy, I see no limits to how TMS will be utilized in the future.
I also would like to say, for me ECT was never even an option, I've read too many horror stories regarding the after affects of shock. But that is just my own opinion and I'm sure others would disagree.Antrock
Posted by Bob on September 30, 1999, at 11:14:22
In reply to Re: TMSr questions, posted by Antrock on September 30, 1999, at 10:07:56
> I also would like to say, for me ECT was never even an option, I've read too many horror stories regarding the after affects of shock. But that is just my own opinion and I'm sure others would disagree.
You said it. Modern ECT is supposed to be nothing at all like the stereotyped version from the past, but I'm more than happy to leave it as a measure of last resort.
ack!8^p
This is the end of the thread.
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