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  • HappyGal posted an update in the group Depression Advocate Network

    Hi All. I just joined WeHeal.org today and am quite excited there is such an organization.
    I am curious if anyone has experience with a newish treatment for depression called TMS, transcranial magnetic stimulation, for Major Depressive Disorder or other levels of depression? I am close to signing up for this treatment and am looking for anyone who has had actual experience. Thank you.

    • Eric Drew replied

      Hello HappyGal and thank you so much for joining us here! I cannot speak form experience, but this TMS is definitely a new non-invasive non-toxic approach to neuro-stimulation in the brain, which sure cannot hurt to try! You could probably join a trial to do this and get some benefits like free medical care and possibly expense reimbursement while participating. Here is the NHS list of trials (all I did was copy the name and paste it into the Search Clinical Trials Box to the right, which anyone can do for any disease. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=TMS%2C+transcranial+magnetic+stimulation&Search=Search. I can help you search for the optimal trial if you want? What major city do you live nearest to?

      • HappyGal replied

        Hi Eric. Thanks for your info.
        I first looked into this in 2010. TMS had recently been approved for treatment of major depressive disorder and Dr. Shakir the first to offer it in California. Although I knew I would be a good candidate even back then, I chose to wait. It was too new and messing with the brain scared me. There just wasn’t enough experience out there. plus it was $10k and not covered by insurance. Fast forward to current and, as I had hoped, all of my concerns from 2010 are addressed. And my insurance will cover it!
        I have my first treatment today, and continue every day except Sundays for 6-8 weeks. If you think it would be helpful for your audience, I would be happy to share the progress or results.

        • HappyGal replied

          Also, the way I found you and WeHeal.org was because we are FB friends. Although I don’t think we have actually met, you and I have a lot of common friends.

          • Eric Drew replied

            Hi HappyGal I had responded to your message last week but for some reason it didn’t post. My apologies. How are the treatments going and has it made a difference? Yes please do share your results whether positive or negative, as it can help so many other people narrow the search and find solutions that work for them. Unless we start sharing our experiences, everyone will continue to be forced to start from scratch and we will continue to have an inefficient and non-transparent medical system. Thank you for reaching out and sharing!

          • Eric Drew replied

            Also cool that you found us on Facebook, and I hope more people join communities on WeHeal from Facebook as well! The more we are the stronger we are, and our motto is “Alone, We Struggle! Together, WeHeal!”. It is so true!