So discouraged from TMS ( transcrainial magnetic stimulation)
Posted: Sat May 27, 2017 4:57 pm
Hi, I am new to this board but not to depression. I have been struggling with depression and chronic pain for over two decades. I am 62 male. My depression worsened last year and I had to close my consulting business. After failing all the antidepressant medications over the years I recently started TMS therapy.
The doctors had recommended ECT but I didn't feel like I had the necessary support in place for this so I opted for TMS since I could drive myself. I have had 26 sessions and have no benefit. I have to drive an hour and a half each way through traffic. The doctor had selected to the deep TMS for me. She didn't warn me that it is painful and causes disconcerting facial and jaw muscle contractions especially the first two weeks. I cringe at each burst. It feels like punishment.
Now it is the weekend after the fifth week. I am laying around with the worst neck pain I have had in years and thoroughly discouraged. My depression is very bad and I used all my energy the past weeks to do the daily drive to treatment. I have talked to other patients in the waiting room and none have experienced significant relief. I feel like this is just another money making scheme for the industry and doctors. I feel used and abused. I am not sure I will continue treatment. I don't know if I can find the will to try another last resort treatment like Ketamine or ECT. I feel like giving up.
Cosmo
The doctors had recommended ECT but I didn't feel like I had the necessary support in place for this so I opted for TMS since I could drive myself. I have had 26 sessions and have no benefit. I have to drive an hour and a half each way through traffic. The doctor had selected to the deep TMS for me. She didn't warn me that it is painful and causes disconcerting facial and jaw muscle contractions especially the first two weeks. I cringe at each burst. It feels like punishment.
Now it is the weekend after the fifth week. I am laying around with the worst neck pain I have had in years and thoroughly discouraged. My depression is very bad and I used all my energy the past weeks to do the daily drive to treatment. I have talked to other patients in the waiting room and none have experienced significant relief. I feel like this is just another money making scheme for the industry and doctors. I feel used and abused. I am not sure I will continue treatment. I don't know if I can find the will to try another last resort treatment like Ketamine or ECT. I feel like giving up.
Cosmo