TMS treatment regret

[MJordan23]

At the recommendation of my Psychiatrist, I decided to do these 36 20 minute treatments which ended July,2023. I should have done my research on this treatment but foolishly I didn't. I am an avid runner and prior to treatment, I estimate that I could have easily run a 1/2 marathon maybe even a full. I have run many 1/2s and 5 fulls and now I struggle to do 5 miles. Plus, my anxiety is so much worse which I believe isn't helping because it seems it's hurting my heart. I've been to the ER about 5 times with chest pain and my test results always come back normal. I struggle to work my 6 hr part time job because I can only stay calm and concentrate for about 3 hours. I'm not sure it's the TMS or COVID that messed me up. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Anyone else out there have similar problems?

[Sunrisetabby]

I used to be a runner pre-covid and pre-depression. Check. I did a full TMS treatment regime and it did nothing for me. Check. I actually did research prior to starting TMS and believe that there is reasonable scientific research supporting its use. I have also been to the ER on three occasions thinking I was having a heart attack but nothing was identified as problematic on their tests. Having diagnosed long neurological COVID symptoms, I think that COVID is more likely to be the culprit in your case. Yes, I also read all the TMS horror stories before and during my treatment, but at least for me, I think that the TMS isn't actually powerful enough or intensive enough to bring about the changes that I was hoping for. I actually start using a CPAP machine two weeks ago and that seems to be having the biggest positive impact. I don't know about your situation, but I had been flirting with a sub-3 hour marathon and then struggled to walk a mile in 20 minutes. I also ended up gaining 70 lbs which killed my sleep quality and ability to run as well. Maybe aided by ketamine treatments, I've managed to shwd about half the weight I gained and running is getting easier. How is your sleep quality? Note that in my experience the sleep trackers for home use are almost uniformly terrible. I spent months prioritizing getting high quality sleep - no phone in bedroom, black out curtains, air purifier, hugz sleep blanket, weighted blanket, limiting pl caffeine, etc. My sleep duration improved and my trackers told me I was getting enough sleep, but I would wake up tired with persistent brain fog. Only going to an overnight sleep lab identified the problem. Best of luck. It's all about enjoy the miles you can do, even if it is just a 20 minute walking mile. You do a couple of those and you will start seeing progress. At least for me, progress has lead to more progress. More weight loss, better food choices, better sleep, and more motivation to train.

[Sunrisetabby in reply to Sunrisetabby]

Note the work of Dr. Nolan William at Stanford, among others, convinced me of the possibility of TMS. It didn't work for me but I have no regrets I tried it, although I kind of wish they had really let me crank the dials up much more. Tim Ferris interview with Dr. William is decent: tim.blog/2024/01/05/nolan-w...

[MJordan23 in reply to Sunrisetabby]

Thank you Sunrisetabby for your replies. The last 1/2 marathon I did was in May 2022, I think May 1st and I felt normal. We got COVID over Memorial day the same year and I haven't been the same since so I agree COVID is a big contributor to my status. My TMS treatment was for anxiety which I think may be a contributor too. BTW, you must have been a great runner to be sub 3 hrs. Impressive. I was never close to that.

[Sunrisetabby in reply to MJordan23]

I appreciate the kind comments but I was far from being a good, let alone great runner, but I had fun which was the most important thing. A lot of being a great running is winning the genetic lottery (and if you are an aspiring or professional using illegal performance enhancing drugs), but it is fun to compete against yourself. I was doing the TMS for depression and anxiety, so I got something like 36 one hour sessions. Bet of luck getting back to running!

[Hidden in reply to Sunrisetabby]

Hi. When you did the overnight sleep lab, were you at your baseline "normalcy" (ie, able to function and manage your depression and anxiety? Was the lab commercially operated (ie. a stand-alone private clinic) or run by a research hospital/univ lab?

I'm asking bc I'm having difficulty getting good-quality sleep on a consistent basis, and it's exacerbating my anxiety. Idk if my sleep issue is correlated w/ my mental disorders, or is it a separate condition in itself that I need to address. I've had sleep issues (off & on) since childhood. I've always attributed them to my mental disorders. Like you, I've tried changing my habits, environment, caffeine intake, meditation, etc., but they only work for a limited time. And now that I'm fairly managing my depression and anxiety, I don't understand why I'm still having problems w/ sleep.

[Sorry MJ for hijacking your post...Last yr when my depression was at its worst, I did some research on TMS, but I couldn't really understand what I was reading; so, I was very wary about the procedure, esp the number of sessions I hv to do. I'm not against it and will cont my research (now that my brain is working) bc I know for sure another depressive episode will happen. And when it does, I'd like to treat it as quickly as possible (or at least faster than meds can) bc I don't want to deal w/ another protracted episode. I'm afraid the nxt big one would be a losing battle.]

[Sunrisetabby]

My insurance company paid for me to go to a private sleep lab. Depression and anxiety were ok, I had been doing a lot better but then the doctor had me taper off and stop all medications prior to the sleep lab. I did not think that made sense, but I did as directed after protest. I don't really think any issues are separate, as depression and anxiety absolutely can make sleep worse. Sleep problems are quite common and I recommend that you check with your doctor. It is also possible to pay $150 and just order an at home sleep test which aren't as good but able to pick up sever problems (no abnormalities) were detected on mine. My insurance actually paid for my CPAP machine although I think it is somewhat ridiculous that you need a prescription because they would likely help a lot of people.

[Hidden in reply to Sunrisetabby]

Thanks for the info. Have a good day

[Hidden]

I'm sorry you're having side effects. I was considering trying the TMS but have heard mixed reviews so I'm just going to stay with my meds and therapy and do the best I can. I hope you start to feel better soon.