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Days 20 to 24 of TMS

Day 20
Today I got up to 110% which was really good, and my hand movements were almost nonexistent! We started on a slightly lower power setting and slowly worked up to 120% power, which is where I was the week before last. I was talking to my TMS tech about training and found out some pretty cool things! We filled up more PHQ 9 & GAD 7 forms today to track my depression and anxiety and its definitely getting better. My depression went from 24 [severe] to 18 [moderately severe] to 13 [moderate] in 20 days. My anxiety went from 20 [severe] to 10 [moderate] to 12 [moderate] in 20 days! 
If you're worried about safety when it comes to TMS, this may comfort you: TMS technicians [who see with patients during every treatment] must be certified in CPR and basic life support. They know what to do in case of a seizure, they can operate a defibrillator, give CPR, and deal with other life threatening emergencies and serious side effects of TMS. Also my tech told me if you are nervous about treatment you can ask your tech to show you what the different sounds the machine makes are and familiarize you with the parts so it seems less complicated and intimidating. 

Day 21
Today I continued on 120% power after a quick MT check [there are fast versions and a longer version] and had no hand movements. Usually you will check your motor threshold every week, or if you are having more sensitivity to treatment/increased hand movements. 
Day 22
This week has gone a lot more smoothly, I have been much less sensitive to the treatment and haven't had any hand movenent. I have no side effects so far. Sometimes during treatment the coil will be adjusted to assure proper contact. I got a question about repeat treatments and maintenance treatment so I will address it today, and possibly make a blog about it. Talk to your TMS provider if you think maintenance doses are right for you. Maintenance treatment can past as long as the patient wishes and can pay, and as long as a provider agrees it is necessary. However, they aren't covered by insurance so be aware of that. Repeat treatments are usually done and approved by insurance after a complete remission, and is another full treatment after a year or more of your last round of TMS. 
Day 23
Treatment today went very smoothly. I have been struggling to eat before my appointment due to a chronic GI condition and the tech has been in contact with the provider to make sure I dont have to force myself to eat [and make myself sick] before TMS. The end of this week I had a lot less sensitivity to the treatment and absolutely no hand movement. 
Day 24
On Fridays sometimes I will fill out forms to check on my progress of mental health symptoms. Since we had the redetermination [re-mapping] and added a cushion, aligning myself has been so much faster and easier. If you have any issues or concerns bring it up with your TMS tech, they can/will do a lot for your comfort and have a lot of training! At the end of our appointment we always make sure my schedule for the next week is correct. 

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