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Posted 6/12/2018 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, folks.

So I completed TMS a little while back and am curious as to how anyone that's done it has progressed. While I don't know how the numbers are reached, said numbers said I saw substantial progress.

However, since I stopped after my authorized 36 sessions, I've noticed a decline in mood. I honestly can't recall what the nurse practicioner said in regard to this and what to expect after treatment. I wonder if that tapping on my head was a placebo effect and I was just more relieved to know I was actively trying to get better. Do I just miss that? I know it's cost me an arm and a leg.

I'm to continue my medication daily and therapy with my psychologist weekly. I'm at 50mg Pristiq, 200mg Lamictal, and Buspar (unsure of the dosage; just started it Friday or Saturday). On a side note, do any of you know if the three listed medications have bad side effects for the GI tract/stomach/reflux?

Thanks,
smooth
Posted 6/12/2018 4:09 PM (GMT 0)
I take 150 mg of Pristiq, 20mg abilify, and Xanax as needed. The combination works well for me. I am not sure if abilify is like lamictal but both are used for bi=polar. I am not bipolar I don't think. I use it as a mood stabilizer.

How long have you been on the Pristiq and lamictal? You said you just added the buspar.

I think that ending something like you finished with the tms, gives us a feeling of lacking something that we were use to. So it is probably only natural that you would feel a little lost without it. If you know what I mean. Maybe give it all a little time. The tms probably takes time too though you may have noticed improvement as you were doing it. Can you speak with the doctor about it? Maybe they would have some answers.

I hope you feel better Smooth... I am doing a bit better thanks so some health issues being addressed. I didn't realize I felt bad until I started feeling better. Strange...

Take care and have a great day. Is there something else you could do to replace the appointments that you had? A hobby at a certain time, or go to a book store or coffee shop? I hope you find something to fulfill that.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/12/2018 5:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Karen!



Well, I sort of had two psychiatrists at one point. I have my regular guy (Dr. S.), whom seems to prescribe things despite my medical history (mostly with my GI). For example, I went into my GI doctor and he insisted I stop whatever medication it was. ...wish I could remember, so I believe there is a bad side effect link there. Not too long ago, I was on 100mg Pristiq and I think 100mg Lamictal. It is believed the Pristiq at 100mg was making me more irritable and mean, so Pristiq was cut in half and Lamictal was doubled.

So then there's the other guy (Dr. P.). I went to him at my mother's recommendation because she knows the aforementioned nurse practicioner. He doesn't see new patients, but still does things like TMS. I didn't go to my Dr. S., because I don't like him and because it wasn't convenient to work (lol). Basically, I had to go every weekday for a month straight and then I was weened off. The nurse practicioner should be calling me shortly to check on me here soon. She said she would. Maybe I'll reach out to her. She told me so much, I simply couldn't retain it all.

Do you feel like discussing the issues you were having vs. what you're feeling now? I'm glad you're showing improvement.

I guess I'll e-mail my GI doctor whom I'm kind of on the outs with and see. Maybe I should call my pharmacist that loves me. I don't know. I'd like to just stop the medication after my next appointment with Dr. S. Therapy will continue, because I know I need that.

Right now, I play a computer game you can never really finish to distract me from my garbage life. It's almost a complete distraction because I can only focus on it.

Please know how much you're appreciated here. smile Hugs.
Posted 6/12/2018 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
Smooth,

My health issue is diabetes. I was tired all the time. And just felt unwell. But didn't even realize it until I got my blood sugars down and felt better. I am always a little tired from the fibromyalgia. But I take Adderall to help. I just thought that the Adderall might have stopped working for me but it was my blood sugar.

I am glad you found something to distract yourself. That isn't always easy.

I lost my dog to a heart attack last month. I have to have distractions so I don't think about her and get sad too often. I am happy that she went fast and didn't suffer, but I was so use to having her around. It is a huge void. But I am suppose to get pick of the litter from a friend of mine in the fall. She breeds German Shepherds. She is breeding one that is colored "liver". I want a pup from that litter. I saw her dog when she was a puppy and she had the coolest eyes. They were so light they were almost yellow. All my dogs had brown eyes.

I wish you the best Smooth. I hope that this all gets better. You have a lot to contend with. It isn't easy. But you will get through because you keep trying.

Hang in there... Just got back from my psychologist office. It was a long drive and a long day.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/13/2018 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
Karen,

Type I, I assume? I half-jokingly say I've been tired for twenty years (37 now). I'm not quite in the pre-diabetic range at least. It makes me wonder how that's even possible considering my fondness of sugar. My maternal grandmother was diabetic. To be honest, I'm not sure how she coped or if she needed to cope. She was tough as nails, and frankly, a little crazy. Where's your fibromyalgia? I can see where you'd think the Adderall would have stopped. At least you figured it out!

Video/computer games are pointless to a degree, but I guess I found a purpose. It's all I really want to do and I'm hooked again. I wasn't even crazy about walking the dogs last night because then I was sucked back in to my own life. A friend invited me to his house 2.5-3 hours away this weekend and I don't really want to go. I can't get hyped for road trips anymore and it doesn't help that I'm by myself basically every time. Since said friend is married, I'll have that third wheel feeling again because I don't have anyone. This also cuts into game time and having a medical issue out of town sucks; trust me.

My heart is indeed broken regarding your dog. I believe I've had 8 pets pass in my life. In my experience, time helps to a degree and it does get "easier", but there will always be a void there even though the void may shrink. I feel your wanting another is very healthy and everyone wins. Plenty of dogs need caring people like you and you need them, too. Would fostering until you get your new pup be an option for you? I know there's always a need for that. I'm a sucker for cool eyes!

Thanks. I want to believe I'll get better, but really don't think so. Other people think it will. I keep my, "It's easy for you to say that," to myself.

I just keep hanging and existing. I see my psychologist tomorrow. My drive's about 20 minutes, but it sounds like yours is longer.

Thanks again and hugs,
John
Posted 6/13/2018 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
My diabetes is type 2. When I was young I had glucose intolerance. Then about six or seven years ago, I was pre. The doctor said he could get me off of the insulin by September if I stick to my diet. And continue to walk. I hope to do both... I don't like the shots.

You will get better John. You never know what good things are lying just around the corner. And it happens when you least expect it. Plus you sound like a good person and I believe what goes around comes around. Good ole Karma...

I hope that you have a good rest of the day.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/16/2018 5:59 AM (GMT 0)
tms seems to be alike hair treatment for those with receeding hairlines. got to keep applying it....so it seems. it can be a useful adjunct treatment, however it is expensive, and the results are only active under treatment, for some, it seems. good on you for keeping up the regime of treatments. keep strong.
Posted 6/19/2018 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
smooth, you need to get back on TMS, like yesterday! I was on RX s for 8 years, worked the first 6 mos and then I was coasting with anxiety, panic attacks and mild depression until Dec 2016, when I went into a severe depression. Changed to new Psy md and he was suggesting hospitalization, but suggested I try TMS first. The word hospital shook me up to the point that I made up my mind that I would make the TMS work no matter what. It was a God send. I am off all meds, no anxiety or panic attacks, have one TMS a month and help with a group for beginners when needed. I am surprised they did not suggest maintenance for you. Some people go every 6 mos, 2 times a month etc.

Every THUMP makes you better! Good luck.
Posted 6/20/2018 9:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RAbid,

And welcome to the depression forum. I am glad TMS has worked for you.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/22/2018 4:40 PM (GMT 0)
Karen, you absolutely can. I don't know how well it works as I struggle, but maybe you can say, "Hey, I remember what that tastes like. I don't really need it." I'm told we only really enjoy the first two or three bites of something anyway and the rest is kind of overrated. LOL. Thanks for the compliment. I'm a pretty decent guy. When you see the world through poop covered glasses, it's hard to see the light. Part of me thinks I'll be OK and part of me doesn't. That whole GI thing has me pretty down as well as some recent trips I've made. I put myself out there for friends and wind up disappointed, at least lately. I've been out doing something the last 5 out of 6 weekends and I'm not used to it. Maybe I'm just tired. My apologies for taking so long to reply.

HT, yeah. It's 36 treatments. You go every weekday for a month and then wean off a down to a couple times a week, etc. It certainly is expensive. Sigh.

RAbid, insurance authorized the 36 treatments. I can ask my people at the facility if I should try what you're saying. When I was in the therapy there, she said I may need another 36 sessions every 2-3 years. Thanks for the input and I'm glad you're doing so well with it.

Best,
John
Posted 6/22/2018 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hope you are feeling better. Thanks for posting. I am glad you keep coming back. Your posts are helpful to others, that is cool.

We are having a music festival in town that is less than a block from me. Very loud. Hard to concentrate. They will be playing for two days, it is suppose to rain tomorrow. Darn... Ha!

I hope you have a good day today and a nice weekend.

Take care...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 6/22/2018 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
Karen,

I'm not really feeling much better. A coworker ruffled my feathers this morning. I hadn't seen her in a while and hoped she had quit. No such luck! LOL.

My GI stuff keeps me down. I usually avoid dinner, but am having it tonight (steak and potatoes; not the best) with a family member. It helps that it's the weekend at least, so I can go to bed when I can instead of when I have to.

Thank you. I frequent the Anxiety forum as well; GERD on occasion. I need to spend more time here. Sometimes deciphering anxiety from depression is tough.

The day has been OK. Mood is a little better. I believe it's the chemical imbalance that frustrates me. One day, good. Next day, nah. *shrug*

You ahve a good weekend as well and such.

Best,
John
Posted 6/25/2018 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
you may want to consider maintence E.C.T. longer lasting efficacy. keep strong. ht. you may only need a few, or 1 course of six.

hi to the newbie.
Posted 6/25/2018 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
HT,

That's a feasible option. We'll see.

Best,
John
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