Posted by Twinleaf on April 10, 2012, at 18:06:49
In reply to Re: For Twinleaf: Questions.., posted by topgun on April 10, 2012, at 16:36:01
When I first started having TMS with Dr. Hutto in Atlanta, he prescribed Tylenol #3. I have always had a bit more trouble with the pain than most people do (I was always given a maximal amount of current). I don't think the pain medication made too much difference, but it sort of gave me more confidence. Dr. Hutto did not seem to be at all concerned about it interfering with the effectiveness of the TMS. Now, I have maintenance treatment (2) about every six months, but I no longer feel the need for medication. Just used to it probably!
Initially, I would feel very depressed prior to treatment, with MADRS scores in the severe range. I would feel quite a bit better after two treatments, and would have normal scores by the end of a week of treatment. I would slowly revert back to being severely depressed over a six month period, and would then get treated again. (Atlanta is a 2-hour flight). Now that I have had a lot of psychotherapy, and made some needed changes in my life, I do not have any depressions that are more than mild. But I still value the TMS treatments for their calming effect and their ability to get my MADRS scores to zero.
No, the change for the better was so welcome. I felt like the person I was before I developed depression, and it was easy to pick up a busier and more social schedule.
When it doesn't work, it's so disappointing. But when it does work, it does so in such a natural, side effect-free manner that it seems superior to medication. Worth a try!
poster:Twinleaf
thread:1013714
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120328/msgs/1015350.html