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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by JohnLA on October 21, 2011, at 21:59:50
hi everyone-
i thought it might be interesting for some of you to follow my progress in a depression study i got into here in los angeles at ucla. here is some info about it;
http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/non-invasive-therapy-significantly-169741.aspx
i just got the device today and will be using it for 12 weeks. going-up to ucla every 2 weeks for interviews and a qeeg of my brain during those 12 weeks.
the device is pretty simple. it's about the size of an ipod. it has 2 wires that run to 2 outlets that are attached to a large band-aide type material on your forehead. (this band-aide deal is used once and then disposed of.) it's not cumbersome at all really. about every 15 seconds you have a 10 second or so very lite electrical charge that you feel thru your forehead up towards your hairline, if you got one. they want you to wear it at least 8 hours a day or night.
so, i just put it on and am hoping for the best. this is to augment the remeron and klonopin i'm on.
i'll try to post every so often to let you all know how it goes.
john
Posted by SLS on October 22, 2011, at 4:56:07
In reply to day 1 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on October 21, 2011, at 21:59:50
I admire your fortitude in pursuing the TNS treatment. I hope it works for you.
- Scott
Posted by JohnLA on October 29, 2011, at 22:10:36
In reply to Re: day 1 of tns therapy » JohnLA, posted by SLS on October 22, 2011, at 4:56:07
thanks scott. i really appreciate your good wishes.
hoping you find some peace soon too.
john
Posted by JohnLA on October 29, 2011, at 22:14:43
In reply to day 1 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on October 21, 2011, at 21:59:50
hi all-
here is an update on the tns therapy study i am doing thru ucla.
no changes so far unfortunately. i have pretty much faithfully worn the device the required 8 hours per night. i'm not really optimistic, but it is a 12 week study and i will continue to hold out a bit of hope that this will at least lessen the depression.
i'll chime in again in a week's time.
john
Posted by SLS on October 31, 2011, at 18:14:00
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on October 29, 2011, at 22:14:43
> hi all-
>
> here is an update on the tns therapy study i am doing thru ucla.
>
> no changes so far unfortunately. i have pretty much faithfully worn the device the required 8 hours per night. i'm not really optimistic, but it is a 12 week study and i will continue to hold out a bit of hope that this will at least lessen the depression.
>
> i'll chime in again in a week's time.
>
> john
I'll serve up a few prayers for you.Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by JohnLA on November 2, 2011, at 0:24:12
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy » JohnLA, posted by SLS on October 31, 2011, at 18:14:00
thnx again scott and god bless.
john
Posted by Netch on November 3, 2011, at 8:04:31
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on October 29, 2011, at 22:14:43
> hi all-
>
> here is an update on the tns therapy study i am doing thru ucla.
>
> no changes so far unfortunately. i have pretty much faithfully worn the device the required 8 hours per night. i'm not really optimistic, but it is a 12 week study and i will continue to hold out a bit of hope that this will at least lessen the depression.
>
> i'll chime in again in a week's time.
>
> johnIsn't this a double blind study?
Posted by Netch on November 5, 2011, at 15:53:16
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by Netch on November 3, 2011, at 8:04:31
Study Design:
Allocation: Randomized
Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)
Primary Purpose: Treatmenthttp://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT01343563
Posted by JohnLA on November 7, 2011, at 6:55:22
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by Netch on November 5, 2011, at 15:53:16
netch-
thnx for your post.
yes, i may or may not be on the placebo/sham device. they told me they may or may not change the 'settings' at week 6 of the study. that's when i would find out which treatment i've been on.
i'll keep you posted.
take care.
john
Posted by Netch on November 7, 2011, at 7:02:19
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on November 7, 2011, at 6:55:22
> netch-
>
> thnx for your post.
>
> yes, i may or may not be on the placebo/sham device. they told me they may or may not change the 'settings' at week 6 of the study. that's when i would find out which treatment i've been on.
>
> i'll keep you posted.
>
> take care.
>
> johnThanx for keeping us updated.
/Netch
Posted by JohnLA on November 11, 2011, at 15:53:56
In reply to Re: day 8 of tns therapy, posted by Netch on November 7, 2011, at 7:02:19
hi all-
just finished my 3rd week of the tns therapy. still no relief in my depression unfortunately. my sleep seems to be just a bit better though.
i also went up to ucla for my first assessment. filled-out a bunch of paperwork and also got interviewed on how i was feeling etc.
i might be on the sham device. in 3 weeks they may or may not change the frequency of the unit. that's when i find-out if i have the placebo or not.
i'm not holding my breathe, but still hoping that something happens in a positive direction regarding my depression.
john
Posted by Netch on November 12, 2011, at 9:52:38
In reply to day 21 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on November 11, 2011, at 15:53:56
> hi all-
>
> just finished my 3rd week of the tns therapy. still no relief in my depression unfortunately. my sleep seems to be just a bit better though.
>
> i also went up to ucla for my first assessment. filled-out a bunch of paperwork and also got interviewed on how i was feeling etc.
>
> i might be on the sham device. in 3 weeks they may or may not change the frequency of the unit. that's when i find-out if i have the placebo or not.
>
> i'm not holding my breathe, but still hoping that something happens in a positive direction regarding my depression.
>
> johnIf it's a crossover designed study I figure you will experience both sham and real device.
Posted by mogger on November 18, 2011, at 0:54:00
In reply to day 21 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on November 11, 2011, at 15:53:56
I have been thinking of you John. Still 9 weeks to go so there is definitely time for things to improve big time which I hope they will. Hang in there,
Joseph
Posted by mogger on November 28, 2011, at 0:25:19
In reply to Re: day 21 of tns therapy, posted by mogger on November 18, 2011, at 0:54:00
John,
How is the TNS going? I hope you are still sticking with it and that it is beginning to help.
Joseph
Posted by JohnLA on November 29, 2011, at 4:36:46
In reply to Re: day 21 of tns therapy, posted by mogger on November 28, 2011, at 0:25:19
hey joseph-
thnx for continuing to stay in touch w/me.
i'm still in the study. no relief yet. real bummer. i do go up next week for them to re-set the unit. maybe that will do the trick.
i'm a little discouraged to be honest. but, the study is not done yet and i have other options after this.
how are things for you? i hope you are having more good days than bad.
again, thnx for continuing to think of me. i appreciate it.
john
Posted by mogger on November 29, 2011, at 13:31:21
In reply to Re: day 21 of tns therapy, posted by JohnLA on November 29, 2011, at 4:36:46
John,
Sorry to hear that it isn't helping as of yet. The adjustment could be the kicker so I am keeping my fingers crossed for you. Just don't mistakingly put it up to 10 like you did before by accident! Hang in there man, there is still a huge possibility this will work out. I am doing ok thanks, going to make some med changes so I will keep you updated as well.
Joseph
Posted by JohnLA on December 13, 2011, at 15:25:40
In reply to Re: day 21 of tns therapy, posted by mogger on November 29, 2011, at 13:31:21
well, i made it to week 6 of the study. this is the half-way point...
i decided to drop-out of the study. several reasons; the main one being that i feel that i am actually getting worse during these past few weeks. nothing to do with the device, but i'm in need of something with a more proven track-record. i was under the constraint of no med changes while doing the study. yes, they may have changed the setting of the device at this point, but the gal who set my device basically told me i was on the real deal already and that it would be probably be in my best interest to stop and try something else.
so, i'm still looking for some relief. i also am getting a new pdoc. maybe he'll have some new ideas...
Posted by mogger on December 13, 2011, at 15:42:13
In reply to week 6 :(, posted by JohnLA on December 13, 2011, at 15:25:40
John,
I am so sorry to hear that man I really am. Onto the next thing and trust me there will be a solution. Please babble mail me as I have a great pdoc to refer you too if you are interested.
Joseph
Posted by jane d on December 14, 2011, at 1:39:32
In reply to week 6 :(, posted by JohnLA on December 13, 2011, at 15:25:40
I'm sorry it didn't help. I hope something works for you soon.
Posted by Netch on December 15, 2011, at 7:03:22
In reply to week 6 :(, posted by JohnLA on December 13, 2011, at 15:25:40
> well, i made it to week 6 of the study. this is the half-way point...
>
> i decided to drop-out of the study. several reasons; the main one being that i feel that i am actually getting worse during these past few weeks. nothing to do with the device, but i'm in need of something with a more proven track-record. i was under the constraint of no med changes while doing the study. yes, they may have changed the setting of the device at this point, but the gal who set my device basically told me i was on the real deal already and that it would be probably be in my best interest to stop and try something else.
>
> so, i'm still looking for some relief. i also am getting a new pdoc. maybe he'll have some new ideas...Sorry to hear the bad news. At least now you know.
Take care
Posted by JohnLA on December 16, 2011, at 13:18:42
In reply to Re: week 6 :(, posted by Netch on December 15, 2011, at 7:03:22
thanks joseph, jane and and netch for the kind words.
i appreciate it.
john
Posted by mogger on December 16, 2011, at 13:21:04
In reply to thanks :), posted by JohnLA on December 16, 2011, at 13:18:42
Seriously John, things will get better for sure. Hang in there. :)
Posted by JohnLA on December 19, 2011, at 0:37:21
In reply to Re: thanks :) » JohnLA, posted by mogger on December 16, 2011, at 13:21:04
again joseph, appreciate your words.
when i get well i'm taking you out for a 'man-date' somewhere here in LA.
thanks again buddy.
john
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