I just got back from my PCP's office and the VNS rep was there and turned the VNS on for my depression. At this point it runs 30 seconds out of every 5 minutes. I can't turn it off my self but I can hold my magnet over it to stop it. He said it could take up to a year to see the depression change.

It's going to be interesting. When it comes on it bothers me but I am hoping I can get use to it. He thinks I'll do find with it. What I feel is like a slight choking feeling but it hasn't changed my voice. Just too wierd.

I go in every week for 4 weeks to change the setting until we get it to where we want it.

Keep your fingers crossed. I'm just nervous about it right now.

Ada

Sending good wishes and prayers for speedy help Ada.
Big Hugs
Di

Well done, Ada! Wow...it's going to be really interesting, please let us know how it affects you. What is the sensation that bothers you? Tingling kind of thing?

Hope it starts doing its job sooner than normal; have they said how you can tell if it's starting to work? Do you just gradually feel better in yourself, or what?

No hurry for answers, you just look after yourself - a bionic woman needs all the care she can get

all the best!

Ada,

You are in my thoughts and prayers!!!! Here is some love to have a speedy recovery!!!

DiMarie, I sure hope this does help me and I hope that you continue to see better days since the loss of your loved one. I just really love you. Being with you on the forums all these years has been a delight for me.

Artist. It can take up to a year for it to start working. He said if I didn't see any improvement even in 6 months not to give up. He has only seen one person that saw improvement right away.

He was amazed at how good I was doing after surgery. He said with those wires wrapped around the vegal nerve most people start having problems right after surgery with talking, a cough, or swallowing. My voice is fine so he says he is sure I will do good with it.

I was talking to Devin last night and my voice started changing when it went off. He asked me what was wrong with my voice. I sounded funny. I have to get use to it.

It really is an amazing thing though. In the surgery, they wrapped wires around the vegal nerve that goes to the brain and there is a part of it that goes to the heart so my Dr. asked questions about bradycardia but the rep seemed to think it would be fine on that part. The box is right near where my bra strap is. I have a magnet that I can wear on my wrist or one I can wear on a belt and if I sing or make a speech, which most likely you would never catch me doing, I can hold the magnet over it and stop it until I done. Now picture that one. Me standing there holding my hand over my heart while I'm doing one of those. Everyone is going to think, what the hell is she doing, it's not the Pledge or not the American song. LOL The people that represents the company have been the best people I have ever met though. They have been the best at helping me get it approved through my insurance which only took one time to get it done but they did it and they have kept in touch with me through every bit of the time of getting it done.

I know a lot of people that doesn't have the depression issue doesn't know how important this is but there are so many people out there suffering from depression that I am so hoping this works for me and keeps working for the others that have it. I think he said 2000 have had it put in for depression so far.

Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Ada

Hi Ada

I feel bad that I havem't replied before now. I have been diagnosed with clinical depression; as a mental health professional I've worked with severely depressed patients in the setting of a psychiatric hospital. Like other staff I have felt totally impotent when state law forced us to release patients before they were ready to go. Before they were willing to go.

If anyone understands depression, it should be me. But I don't. And you started your threads on your hopes for this VNS and I was just like the people who don't talk to us because we're in wheel chairs; I didn't say anything because I didn't know what to say.

Well, I can say that I hope and pray that this thing exceeds your wildest hopes. You sure deserve a break. I have no advice to give, just love...take as much as you need...Vic

Ada: I wish you continued success with your VNS. Perhaps you can keep a journal about how you are feeling and that way you may be able to see if you are improving, even if you do not notice it otherwise. Best of luck!! Lil