This is a question I thought of. I don't know exactly if it goes here or not. But I think it does. For those of you who have TRD and have the VNS, would you say that your depression got relieved when your setting was increased to a higher level, at a certain time? I am just asking this, as I am still having some rough days with depression. Not as many mind you, but some.

I don't know if any of you can tell for example; if your setting was increased to 1.0 for example. Did you notice then, after that, that your depression started to leave. Or did you notice anything major mood wise in yourself? Or is the change in your mood very subtle? It seems very hard to tell. <_<

It's not like you wake up, and say,"My depression is gone,". Or is it a gradual change? That comes slowly? I'm beginning to think it is gradual, so sometimes it is hard to tell. But, my husband & son think I'm doing better this winter than other winters.

So, if any of you noticed any major change with a higher setting, I would like to hear from you. I am going to my VNS doctor next week. I am open to any feedback of course.
Sincerely,
Bonnie

Others noticed before I did. Gradually I could tell I was doing better. I think I was at 1.75 when I noticed.

I would level for a short while, then down again. The settings would be adjusted up when this happened.

I had Pschological testing done and was put on Geodon for a mood stabilizer. At that time I guess the settings were right, plus the Geodon, I'm in remission at 2.75.

So in answer to your question, it is a gradual process. I do believe some TRD patients have to go to higher settings. It depends on how long and severe the depression.

I'm new to the message board as of last week. I posted "My Story", and have been doing a lot of reading in other topics.

I have TRD...technically atypical bipolar II and GAD with a few other medical things here and there. My VNS was implanted May 2006. Early on I had benefit with suicical thinking and reduction in anxiety. I still struggle with depression and anxiety. Although my psychiatrist has changed pulse width, how long it's on, and duration between stimulation....I'm hoping that he'll agree to try to go above 1.0. He seems to think that's the highest he should go with this. I'm his first patient, so the two of us seem to be working a bit in the dark.

Bonnie, I've noticed a gradual improvement with the depression. I'm nowhere close to what I had hoped for, but am aware when I look back over the past 20 months that I'm doing somewhat better. Still seems that any outside stresser can set me back pretty quickly.

I have been on disabilty for 10 years and for a lot of that time, I didn't leave the house unless I had a doctor's appointment. One of the things I have been working on for the last three years is to gradually increase the time I interact with others. When I'm "engaged"...doing something I am interested in...with an individual or a very small group, I do pretty well. The minute I leave that situation, I seem to fall back to ground zero...I'm exhausted and can't motivate myself to do anything. Even reading or watching t.v. sometimes are just "too much". Then, my husband will come home, we'll start talking and my energy level will rise for a bit.

Though I've been dealing with this stuff for 20 years, I still struggle with the fact that no matter how hard I work at it...no matter what meds/treatments I use...there isn't a "cure"...it's a day by day journey (sometimes minute by minute) and I'm a trying very hard to live in the good moments and remember that there will be more good moments to come.

Later! Oreo

:hiya: Oreo

Your observations are not all that uncommon. From watching those implanted for depression, it seems the majority fall into the same pattern that you have. A very gradual improvement.

There can be no cure for depression until they know why and how depression occurs. All that can be done is treat the symptoms.

Thank you so much for sharing your experiances. I know lots of others will read it and maybe benifit, and then maybe your story wil give others hope.

I have had my VNS for 2 years and 4 months. I hope your doctor doesn't limit you to 1.0. I'm at 2.75, had to be for my depression to be under control. I'm also Bi Polar II with anxiety problems. The VNS doesn't help anxiety; I have to take medication for that.

Your doctor needs to get more information about the VNS. My depression was so deep and so long 1.0 didn't phase it. Everybody is different; but have him call another doctor that has more expierence.

I was my Dr.'s first patient also. We learned together. I noticed on the board that patient's with TRD have to have higher settings than someone with Epilepsy.

Make a copy of this post if you have to. 1.0 might not be high enough for you either. I have a friend that has the VNS for TRD and she is just getting settled , but she is at 1.75. I'll pm my phone number and you can call if you want.

Hello Oreo,
It's nice to see you. You know I never wrote my story, I don't think. I have had depression for 25+ years. So, it will take some time to get better. My doctor is very experienced. Her name is: Pamela Sulllivan, MD. She does the conference calls sometimes.

I just got bumped up to 1.0 this week. She is letting me cook for 2 months. She said I probably wouldn't notice any change until this spring. I got implanted last Oct. 2007. I'm slightly short of breath and hoarse with this new increase. So, I've been taking it easy today.

I am also on disability for depression, bipolar 2, OCD, GAD, fibromyalgia, polyarthritis, and borderline personality. It has been a Godsend though, as at the end I was getting more unstable. The medicines were not helping, and I could not hold any job.

I also don't like crowds of people, but can socialize if need be. I do tend to isolate. Any stress spirals me into my depression easily. My family thinks I am better this winter than in past winters.

I'm not expecting to be cured. But some degree of wellness is fine. I don't expect to get off of disability ever. But there is a lot of room for improvement. I've never been afraid to leave the house. That must be scary for you.

My anxiety happened with my nursing jobs. That's pretty much gone now, since I'm not working in nursing anymore. That profession would make anyone mentally ill in time. I do get anxious, but nothing like I did when I was working in nursing.

Oh, the reason for depression et al., is imbalance in the neurotransmitters. That is the bottom line for mental illness. It creates havoc in the brain. It is also genetic I believe. Other disease states can precipitate depression as well. Stroke, etc.

Anyway, again I wrote another long post. I have done much reading about depression, mental illness etc. being a nurse, and patient. And having cared for people with depression, addiction etc.

Sincerely,
Bonnie

I just want to thank Bonnie, Labrat and Oreo for sharing their stories. I was so impressed when I read Labrat's story when I first found this board, and it sounds like Oreo is on her way. Bonnie, I know you were just bumped up to 1.0, so give it time and keep on cooking!!! :lol:

:im_033:

Thank you for the thank you!]