Posted by TXcyborg on January 14, 2013, at 17:39:57
In reply to Re: Any experiences with Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) » TXcyborg, posted by Deahoidar on January 11, 2013, at 21:37:38
Thanks for the well-wishes! Like I said before, I just can't say that I *know* what has made the difference for me, but having taken almost every antidepressant and off-label medication out there and having received good therapy before the DBS, my current good state almost has to be significantly helped by the stimulation (I think the only thing I hadn't tried was ECT). Unfortunately, not everyone has the same results (that was me trying to ensure I'm not making DBS seem like a magic cure-all for everyone).
Good luck with your study participation. I got into this by trying to get in a different study, failing to meet the criteria, and being presented with the DBS alternative. And I'm really glad it turned out the way it did. Even if it hadn't worked out well for me, I was glad to be helping to be a small part of advancing the science in the mental health field.
I think that most people try to stick it out in the study as long as possible, even in the face of infection - I mean, once you have had the dang things implanted in your head and chest, why not give it the best shot to work? The worst for me is the double-blind nature of the trial; you (and the doctors) just don't know if you're receiving stimulation in the first phase.
Like I said before, I'm happy to answer further questions, and I wish you all the best. If I have any updates, I'll try to remember to post them here.
poster:TXcyborg
thread:1033566
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130112/msgs/1035505.html