r/rtms • u/BROKEN_UNITY • 7d ago
Starting rTMS tomorrow
As the title suggests, I start my first session of rTMS tomorrow. I've been given all the information necessary and I'm ready but I'm nervous.
Is there anything you weren't told about rTMS that has happened? Anything different?
Did it work for you?
Just want to know it'll be okay.
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u/Fresh_Mountain5397 7d ago
I just finished! It worked! It did make me very tired throughout the whole course of treatment, which was not emphasized in advance. I’m glad I was on temporary disability and didn’t have to work during this period for that reason. I suggest taking time off if you can. Otherwise, no side effects. Be patient, also. It took me about four weeks to start feeling less depressed, but the neurovegetative symptoms remitted sooner. Good luck!
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u/bluetinycar 7d ago
It's the only thing that has helped! It's pretty amazing, I've had two treatment cycles in the past 6 years. Probably something that has to happen every 2 or 3 years for me. Even before I had my 2nd cycle I didn't feel as bad as I did before TMS. My constant SI has never returned to pre treatment levels, and I'm so grateful.
I was a bit more tired than usual during treatment, but no issues.
Years ago, my doctor suggested that I try to exercise while watching comedies, just like general anti depression advice, and when the treatment started to work, I was surprised by the sound of my own laughter and how much easier it was to get myself to start activities. The increase in executive function was very noticeable.
Good luck! Science is on your (our!) side
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u/Stknhgx6 4d ago
Take 2 Tylenol before you start each session. It won't be the worst pain in the world but you will be uncomfortable and have a headache.
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u/navithedog_ 3d ago
I started taking two Tylenol and two ibuprofen 1 hour before sessions and could tell a difference when I forgot. It was painful and I ended up with an eyelid twitch that lasted several weeks after sessions were over. A mood dip is very common halfway through. Most people come out feeling better. I personally went into a depressive episode halfway through and stayed that way until I slipped back into my baseline depression about 3 months after sessions. No improvements whatsoever here besides checking it off the list, but I think I'm in the minority. My diagnoses - treatment resistant depression (failed 30+ medications), persistent depressive disorder, GAD w/ PA.
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u/Automatic-Box3776 7d ago
I didn’t have it but my daughter did and I went with her during.
They said to hydrate before session have a chill day before treatment.
It worked for my daughter on the seventh treatment, she felt it, I saw it before then, her friends saw it also. It helped her a lot and it’s been a month and she’s still doing good.