I have been suffering from severe chronic depression since I was 12. Treatment was finally started when I was about 22 and we have been through all medications and medication combinations that my psychiatrist could throw at me. Have been through ECT and also the Comprehensive Psychiatric Care program at Homewood Health Centre. I have been treatment resistant and we are down to waiting for the next new medication to hit the market and hope it works.
We are also looking at getting a psychiatric service dog (PSD) as my health care team fully believes it will make a difference but to get one already trained is $25k, so I am searching for a mature dog and then take it through the training with a personal trainer which would be less expensive.
The other treatment that my psychiatrist is pushing for is called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) It was originally used for people with Parkinson's and has gone through trials for use with depression. It is an open brain surgery where they connect two neural transmitters to the section of the brain that releases the proper chemicals. Two wires are connected to the neural transmitters and the wires are run down the neck under the skin to a device in the chest under the skin as well. The device sends small electrical charges to the brain throughout the day.
It just seems so extreme and my fear is that it doesn't work and then I am stuck with this device in me or something happens with the wire connectivity and causes harm. However, at the same time, the depression is getting worse. I am walking a tightrope between life and death most days and the suicidal thoughts and urges are strong and daily I am just lacking the ability to follow through. I am heavily medicated for the anxiety as the anxiety has been out of control and pushes the suicidal urges and ability to follow through.
Just looking to hear other peoples thoughts about taking the step and doing the DBS. I will be talking to my psychiatrist in September and hopefully get some Q&A done about the treatment and at the very least get a consult with the doctor performing the DBS for additional information.
We are also looking at getting a psychiatric service dog (PSD) as my health care team fully believes it will make a difference but to get one already trained is $25k, so I am searching for a mature dog and then take it through the training with a personal trainer which would be less expensive.
The other treatment that my psychiatrist is pushing for is called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) It was originally used for people with Parkinson's and has gone through trials for use with depression. It is an open brain surgery where they connect two neural transmitters to the section of the brain that releases the proper chemicals. Two wires are connected to the neural transmitters and the wires are run down the neck under the skin to a device in the chest under the skin as well. The device sends small electrical charges to the brain throughout the day.
It just seems so extreme and my fear is that it doesn't work and then I am stuck with this device in me or something happens with the wire connectivity and causes harm. However, at the same time, the depression is getting worse. I am walking a tightrope between life and death most days and the suicidal thoughts and urges are strong and daily I am just lacking the ability to follow through. I am heavily medicated for the anxiety as the anxiety has been out of control and pushes the suicidal urges and ability to follow through.
Just looking to hear other peoples thoughts about taking the step and doing the DBS. I will be talking to my psychiatrist in September and hopefully get some Q&A done about the treatment and at the very least get a consult with the doctor performing the DBS for additional information.
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