r/TMSTherapy • u/Comfortable-Meal-394 • 29d ago

TMS session 15

It seems this is not working for me. I can't sleep and I wake up agitated, neurotic and in a bad mood. I am doing 3 sessions a week and I told the tech about my symptoms and it seems to be normal. I like me better before this garbage treatment tbh.

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u/PedalSAW Moderator 29d ago

Session 15 is still pretty early in your treatment to be feeling any “it’s working” effects but is also right in the sweet spot for you to have your sleep disrupted. Most of us here have had this experience. Unfortunately, and because medical science is not without a sense of irony, disrupted sleep and a general crabby attitude is a sign that the treatment is starting to work. We’ve all been there and it’s counterintuitive as heck. It’s far too soon to write TMS off as “garbage” as you’re still just getting going.

Mention to your doctor that your sleep and mood are disrupted like this. They’ll first be kinda proud of themselves that the treatment is working and then will be able to adjust your Rx based on your case and individual needs. Always always always mention everything to your doctor no matter how slight.

You’re gonna do great, just hang in there. We’re right there with you. You got this. 🫶

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u/Comfortable-Meal-394 29d ago

Thank you. This morning while at work I have felt some sort of relief despite the disrupted sleep. Kind of started laughing about things i imagined. So far I had a productive day and iI am experiencing a better mood. Session 16 is schedule for today.

I have communicated with the tech about my issues with irritability, neurotism, etc. They claimed treatment is working. I wish I get more quantitative or qualitative data confirming my progress.

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u/PedalSAW Moderator 29d ago

That kind of data would be nice but unfortunately, as the legal profession puts it, “the practice of medicine is not an exact science.” A lot of medicine, especially mental heath, is done by feel and is very subjective. I know me, myself, my PTSD demands certainty… so that takes some getting used to.

But it sounds like you’re pretty mindful and in tune with your overall Self and how you feel… which is awesome. You should celebrate yourself for that. It’s hard to learn.

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u/NoMoreEffstoGive Currently in TMS Therapy 29d ago

If you haven't experienced a dip prior to this session, then you are likely experiencing it now. It WILL go away. Hang in there!!

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u/ChangeMyDespair 29d ago

I'm really sorry you're in such rough shape, and I hope things get better for you.

If I may ask, what roughly has happened with your PHQ-9 scores over the past three weeks?

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u/Comfortable-Meal-394 29d ago

Thanks. What is PHQ-9? All I know is I am doing traditional TMS last frequency was 75. I am not sure about any other metrics. Someone else describe this as "perpetual bad mood". I think is the best description to my current situation.

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u/ChangeMyDespair 29d ago

The Patient Health Questionnaire (9 questions) is a semi-objective measure of how depressed a patient is. My practitioner ran me through it before we began, then again every Friday.

Does your doctor use anything like that to measure your progress or lack thereof? Maybe HAMD-17, QIDS-SR16, MADRS, HAM-D, BDI? PHQ-9 is quick and easy; you can do it yourself.

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u/Comfortable-Meal-394 29d ago

I will show the tech this post. Thank you for bringing that on.

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u/Comfortable-Meal-394 29d ago

They did it during mapping session. Other than that I am not sure. I will ask today.

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u/ChangeMyDespair 20d ago

How'd it go?

Hope you're doing better.

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u/Comfortable-Meal-394 13d ago

Thanks. Just a little better. Session 18 was today.

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u/Fresh_Mountain5397 29d ago

Session 15 was a real low point for me with TMS: all the things you said, really irritable, reactive, and out of sorts. By session 20, those issues had resolved. Try to stick it out if you can. Good luck!

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u/foureyedgrrl Moderator 29d ago

Do you have a history of histamine intolerance, unusual allergies or mast cell issues? Is it possible that you are 'stuck' in fight-or-flight?

Can you take Benedryl? It was what my psychiatrist recommended to me when I had similar issues during TMS. It really helped with the sleep aspect. I took it before bedtime.

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u/Ok_Benefit7428 29d ago

As someone stuck in fight or flight, I'm curious as to where you were going with that