Shown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SLS on December 5, 2005, at 15:49:15
Hi.
My doctor has become interested in treating me with VNS (vagus nerve stimulation). I suffer from a chronic severe depression that is probably an expression of bipolar disorder.
Any comments?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by snapper on December 8, 2005, at 0:13:56
In reply to VNS - Any takers?, posted by SLS on December 5, 2005, at 15:49:15
> Hi.
>
> My doctor has become interested in treating me with VNS (vagus nerve stimulation). I suffer from a chronic severe depression that is probably an expression of bipolar disorder.
>
> Any comments?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
Hey Scott, how are you buddy? I know that is perhaps a rehtorical question and if so, I am sorry! Did you go to Aruba? If so..I hope you had as good a time as possible with a chronic and very un-remitting mood disorder such as yours and mine...as well as many others here on PB. I have raised the ? Of VNS with My Pdoc.. he is for it... I definitely meet the "criteria" for it..just the fact that I would hope that My state medicaid would cover the cost of it all. My friend , you def are in the category and I know I am as well, I am somewhat scared, however, I am starting to beleive that it really is the next step in conquering this beast of a mood dis-order. I am sorry if I don't have any specific answers for you but I would def. pursue it .. I know guys like You and I have tried "everything" and we def. deserve life as close to normal as possible as can be attained. Once again.. I do NOT have A "GO" on it but my pdoc said I was def. and obviously a canidate for its' sanctioned use.. Hope this gives you some hope and please let me know what is going on and what you think . TTY soon.
My Vey Best !!
Snapper
Posted by SLS on December 8, 2005, at 6:15:07
In reply to Re: VNS - Any takers? » SLS, posted by snapper on December 8, 2005, at 0:13:56
Hi Snapper!
Thanks for the moral support. I really appreciate it.
You are right in describing our situation in life as being desperate as the beast continues to eat us alive. Your post helps place a sense of urgency in my mind so that I don't so quickly reject the idea of VNS.
As far as I can tell, no one on Psycho-Babble has tried VNS and reported on it. There is another VNS thread on the board, kindly posted, that describes someone's spouse as having improved with it. However, I would love to hear from someone directly who has had the treatment. So far, it doesn't seem that any of the "regulars" have tried it. Of course, it is possible that EVERY single person who has had it has been cured and never bothered to post about it!
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on December 8, 2005, at 15:23:50
In reply to Re: VNS - Any takers? » snapper, posted by SLS on December 8, 2005, at 6:15:07
What all medications are you taking at the moment SLS ?
Linkadge
Posted by snapper on December 9, 2005, at 0:42:09
In reply to Re: VNS - Any takers? » snapper, posted by SLS on December 8, 2005, at 6:15:07
> Hi Snapper!
>
> Thanks for the moral support. I really appreciate it.
>
> You are right in describing our situation in life as being desperate as the beast continues to eat us alive. Your post helps place a sense of urgency in my mind so that I don't so quickly reject the idea of VNS.
>
> As far as I can tell, no one on Psycho-Babble has tried VNS and reported on it. There is another VNS thread on the board, kindly posted, that describes someone's spouse as having improved with it. However, I would love to hear from someone directly who has had the treatment. So far, it doesn't seem that any of the "regulars" have tried it. Of course, it is possible that EVERY single person who has had it has been cured and never bothered to post about it!
>
>
> - Scott
>
>Hi Scott, I am glad it has given you some moral support. We "all" need it" I do not think my situation is desperate as yours but none- the less I do know that we do desreve the best that science has to offer. If I were you I would go ahead with it if offered the option and choice. I would think that "any" improvement would be a substatial benefit. I also beleive that any body who has had the device implanted is most likely not here on PB...extolling its' virtues.. that is def an area that I would like to be in> Well and only offering support and hope for the many others out there who are suffering from this "life stealing" Illness!
Let me know what you think and what your options are!
Take Care
Snapper
Posted by SLS on December 9, 2005, at 7:18:35
In reply to Re: VNS - Any takers?, posted by linkadge on December 8, 2005, at 15:23:50
> What all medications are you taking at the moment SLS ?
>
> LinkadgeHi Link.
Currently:
Lamictal 100mg
Parnate 80mg
nortriptyline 100mg
Abilify 10mg
Keppra 750mg
I am really juggling the Lamictal and Keppra. I haven't figured out what the optimal dosages are when both are given. I would like to discontinue the Lamictal entirely because of the negative effect it has on my cognition and memory. Keppra allowed me to reduce the dosage of Lamictal below 150mg, but also seems to have its own problems. If I take too much Keppra, I seem to become slowed-down and fatigued - almost as if the depression were worsening.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on December 9, 2005, at 7:24:39
In reply to Re: VNS - Any takers?, posted by snapper on December 9, 2005, at 0:42:09
I still have to watch the VNS promotional video that my doctor gave me. Maybe it will soften me up to the idea of having a device implanted in my chest and wired to a nerve in my neck. In summary, as best as I can remember, the success rate for VNS treatment of TRD (treatment-resistant depression) is about 30% when patients were followed during the initial 8 weeks of treatment. However, the success rate climbs to 50% if the device is left implanted for 6 months to a year.
- Scott
This is the end of the thread.
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