@coffeenothelping13
I have a history of serious bipolar depression. I've done both types of treatments, as nothing else really worked well for me either. For me, TMS didn't do much. ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) has been far more effective, but with some serious side effects. If you want to know more, just let me know. Keep in mind, though, that everyone responds differently to various treatments.
I'm sorry you're feeling this badly. I hope that whatever you decide to do that it helps you quickly.
@sophia789I do want to hear about your experience.
@coffeenothelping13
I'll try to give you a general overview but please feel free to ask whatever you want to know if I don't cover something.
Basically, my experience with TMS was in no way painful or impairing or unpleasant. It was kind of like someone just tapping on my head. It helped me a little bit for a little while but the effect didn't last.
ECT, however, is a much bigger deal.
The cons for ME have been that I had to do it a lot longer than anticipated in order to get positive effects. I've had a lot more severe and long-lasting memory/cognitive impacts than anticipated. These are still supposed to improve. I'm not sure how much they will improve at this point, though. There is also unpleasantness simply in the treatments themselves - you have to get anesthesia and spend a day (or two) recovering and having someone take care of you/watch over you during that process. You can't drive. However, none of that is worse than the depression that inspired the treatment in the first place. I used to say that I would NEVER do ECT, but I got to the point where I just had to do something. And this something helped. So...
The PROS, for me, have been that it has actually helped. Yes, the memory impacts have been significant and serious and upsetting, but I have been able to actually smile for the first time in... well... people tell me years, really. So... even if I can't remember stuff, I can tolerate that better. Have a sense of humor. Smile about it. As weird as that sounds.
This kind of thing is difficult for a lot of people to stomach. It's not something to enter into lightly. I had to go through a lot before I was willing to try it (including getting 2 other opinions and trying nearly every med under the sun). But at the end of the day, I'd do it again.
I hope that helps.
@sophia789 Thank you for taking the time to share with me.
@coffeenothelping13. I knew someone who ect was the only thing that worked for her. She did get some short term memory loss after the treatments.
Sending strength and peace. I haven't tried these unluckily. I would probably get two doctors' opinions before doing so to help you to feel better about the decision. @coffeenothelping13
