I have switched protocols for the TMS treatment. Before, if was a rapid sets of “dots” from the magnetic wand and the treatment would last 3-5 minutes. There was times when it was slightly uncomfortable. There would be a mild pain behind my left eye if the wand was a bit off from the target. And making sure I didn’t bite my tongue off from the involuntary movement of my jaw.
But I didn’t notice any changes, so I was switch to a “dash” protocol. It’s a longer session at 18-20 minutes, which I don’t mind at all. More justified in driving 20 minutes from work to the hospital for 20 minutes of work than just 5 minutes. The treatment sounds like a woodpecker is hitting my head, but I don’t feel much at all.
Not sure what I’m supposed to do in the chair with the extra time. The doctors think I’m sleeping or meditating. Actually, I’ve been trying to think happy thoughts, hoping that it will help the magnetic pulses get the nerve cells stimulated and moving again. But it’s so hard; there are so few vivid memories that I trust were happy memories. It’s more of seeing shapes and outlines in the fog with me trying to piece together what I’m looking at.
I went online looking for experiences from other people. This link to an article best describes the process in going through. At the end, the person only got a little relief from it. And that seems to be the takeaway from a few other POV articles I read. Trying to not get my hopes down, but I was definitely hoping that there would be some significant change in my mood by now. One doctor did bring up Ketamine as an option if TMS doesn’t work. To be honest, I would rather try ECT and just get fully zapped. I would think that I would feel something even if I’m sedated.
If nothing else this should be a neutral day. No work and I have float therapy and StretchLab tonight, so the pain and stress in my body will at least go away for a few days.
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