TMS Trial
I feel like I have tried everything. These miserable headaches have been plaguing me since I was a teenager and I am now 65. I have been on beta blockers, epilepsy drugs, antidepressants, calcium blockers, Namenda, ace inhibitors and other drugs that I have forgotten. I have tried the Cefaly machine, botox, accupuncture, herbal supplements, and a variety of other things.
For awhile, some worked. But the headaches always come back. I am tired of having my life disrupted by pain. I am tired of not being able to play with grandkids, sit in the sun at the pool, take walks when it is windy, overcast or sunny. But there really isn't a choice so I try the next drug and the next one and the next--hoping something will finally work.
Several months ago, I asked my doctor about the TMS device by Spring. He said that it was only available to those in a trial and he tried unsuccessfully to be part of the trial. The company is doing a trial on 500 people, 30 at each facility. He told me he had a relationship with the neurologist at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and got me in the study.
Two weeks ago, I began the trial. I use the device in the morning, at night, and as needed for migraines. I have been having about two significant headaches a week. In the two weeks that I have been using the device, I have only had one migraine a week. The research assistant said that it is cumulative and that it is supposed to reduce headaches the longer you use it.
It's too early to know if I have had two good weeks (with only one headache a week) because I was lucky or because the machine is working. I am cautiously hopeful.
I thought I would share this so that others who are as desperate as I have been can see about getting into the trial. Unfortunately, after the trial is over, the cost of the machine is $250/month and insurance doesn't cover it. Honestly, I don't care. If it works, I would pay anything. I am really tired of the pain and what it does to my life.
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