I was going through life seeing grey shadowy images through a fog. Now, I feel I’m experiencing colors, dimensions, and vibrancy I’ve never seen before.
Sarah, TMS patient
We’re proud of the technology, team, and process we offer our patients seeking Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment.
(New to TMS? Learn more about it here.)
And as we witness each patient experience the benefits for themselves, we’re right there celebrating alongside them!
This week, we’re talking with Sarah about her experience with TMS:
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Sarah! Can you share a bit about what life felt like prior to beginning TMS treatment?
I didn’t want to be alive. I wasn’t suicidal, but I didn’t see any fulfillment in living. There was a dark, negative voice convincing me I had no value and didn’t deserve to be happy. This awful way of life for me began at age seven.
What had you tried (before TMS) to address these challenges?
In the 40 years of darkness before Sonder, I was hospitalized (one time as a minor and four times as adult) and underwent ECT (shock therapy) 3x week for 6 weeks at my worst. Medications and therapy most of my life.
Alcohol and various prescription drugs to numb the pain. Self-harm and dangerous life choices, including one suicide attempt. Finally, my brain hit such a dark place it began to shut itself down.
Any hesitations about exploring TMS for yourself? What made you decide to give it a try?
I began showing signs of a neurological issue and had a neurological exam and neurophysiological testing. TMS was suggested as a possible solution to the chaos happening in my brain.
I was a bit hesitant at first. But, I figured it couldn’t be any worse than the pseudodementia that was already happening. Plus, my children were very insistent and I wanted to be able to care for my dogs.
What was the experience like for you?
It was long. I drove 150 miles a day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks. The treatments themselves were a piece of cake.
What were some of the first changes you noticed after beginning treatment?
I noticed at first I became very emotional. Emotions became amplified.
How does life feel different now, after TMS treatment?
I feel like I was going through life seeing grey shadowy images through a fog. Now, I feel I’m experiencing colors, dimensions, and vibrancy I’ve never seen before.
Any advice or encouragement you’d like to share with someone considering TMS?
The “dip” at week two is a bugger. For me it was really tough. Rely on your support system, talk to people,
and trust the process. Also, talk to your TMS tech about how things are going in the process. I don’t think I saw as much of a change as those around me saw.
TMS saved my life. I’m sad I didn’t know about it sooner, but am grateful I was able to find it before it was
too late.
Thank you, Sarah! We’re honored to have worked with you.
Want to take part in our TMS pilot study?
Call (952) 999-6097 or email us at tms@sonderwellness.com
Inspired by what Lisa shared? Interested in learning more about TMS?
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Enjoy this post? Check out these other posts about TMS:
TMS Patient Experience: Whytnee
TMS Patient Experience: Amy
TMS: The Promising Depression Treatment You’ve Never Heard Of
Preparing for Your TMS Evaluation
5 Reasons to Choose Sonder Psychiatry
Meet the Providers: Erin Fritz
Meet the Providers: Lisa Lemke
Meet the Providers: Daniele (Dani) Hagberg