[LittleLeah]

I felt more hopeless coming out of her office than I did walking in. She basically told me that we're pretty much out of options. She's putting me on Luvox because I haven't tried it before but she's pretty certain it won't help me since I don't tolerate SSRIs very well. She also told me that there is nothing left to try when it comes to sleep. I don't know what to do. I asked about ECT but she told me I wasn't a good candidate for it since I already have memory problems.

[Nammu]

What about TMS? Transcranial magnetic stimulation device that sometimes works on treatment resistance depression? What about ketamine?

[LittleLeah]

I don't know much about those but I'm will to try anything. I don't know how to advocate for myself when it comes to alternative treatments. I just want to feel better. They keep telling me that I just need to put more into therapy and then maybe my symptoms will ease up. But I know it's the other way around for me. I need some relief from my depression and PTSD so that I'm able to get some of the hard work done in therapy.

[runningonresilience]

LittleLeah -

I feel for you so much. I'm in a similar situation but have been advocating as best as I can to get alternative treatments and tests done. Hear are some things that may be worth looking into:

- Genetic testing through Genesight. It is just a cheek swab on your part and then they analyze your DNA and give you a comprehensive report on how your body metabolizes psychiatric meds, opiates, whatever you are testing for. It also tests for certain genetic markers that would make it harder for your body to effectively use medication. I found out that my brain does not metholize folic acid (Lmethofolate) well and by taking a prescription supplement (Deplin) I can increase my body's ability to respond to psych meds. It's supposed to be free to those with insurance who make under $50,000 a year.

- Ketamine Infusion - the research is compelling and the turn around time for improvement is very quick. Most studies specifically target people with treatment resistant, intractable depression. There are ketamine clinics all over but they completely rip you off, charging anywhere from $500-$1,000 for a single infusion. Luckily there are a lot of clinical trials going on using ketamine and if you can get into one, they usually pay you to participate.

- I would look into ECT and TMS yourself and not be dissuaded by your Pdoc. The research around TMS is much less compelling than ECT but it is certainly less risky and couldn't hurt to try.

- There are certain programs at prominent psych hospitals around the country that focus on taking a fresh look at people with treatment resistant mental illness. The ones I looked at were short inpatient stays. Unfortunately some cater to "celebrities" and are self-pay only with a staggering price. But I'd hope that not all of them are like that.

I hope this helps. I just want you to know that there ARE options. You are also not alone in feeling hopeless and devastated because it feels like nothing works. I am in the middle of a devastating depressive episode and am basically confined to my bed. Like you said, I feel like I need some help, some relief before I can actively help myself again. Yet I've tried so many meds and therapy programs and nothing helps. I'm waiting for a ketamine trial that starts in 4 weeks. Just eeking by until then.

Sending you strength <3

[LittleLeah]

How do you even find a ketamine trial? I've looked into it a bit but there aren't even ketamine clinics in my state.

[runningonresilience]

Originally Posted by LittleLeah

How do you even find a ketamine trial? I've looked into it a bit but there aren't even ketamine clinics in my state.

One of the major hospitals in a nearby state runs clinical trials through their depression center. It was a bit of a process to apply and get in, but I'm hoping its worth it. I have no idea where you live, but look into the psych departments of any large or university hospitals in your area. They tend to be the ones to run clinical trials.

[LittleLeah]

After some googling I discovered clinicaltrials.gov. There is only one that I wouldn't be exempt from. I sent an email to the researcher to see if they are still recruiting.

[runningonresilience]

Originally Posted by LittleLeah

After some googling I discovered clinicaltrials.gov. There is only one that I wouldn't be exempt from. I sent an email to the researcher to see if they are still recruiting.

Oh I'm so glad. Sending good vibes your way that it pans out

[doyoutrustme]

i think you need a new doctor

[LittleLeah]

Originally Posted by doyoutrustme

i think you need a new doctor

Thankfully I do have an appointment setup with a new one. I had set it up a while ago because I recently moved across town and I didn't want to have to commute to see my previous doctor. Hopefully things will go better with them.

[*Laurie*]

My last pdoc basically told me there was nothing left to do for my depression/anxiety. My current pdoc has prescribed meds that DO help me. It's an untalented doctor who tells a patient there's no hope.

[LittleLeah]

Originally Posted by LauraBeth

My last pdoc basically told me there was nothing left to do for my depression/anxiety. My current pdoc has prescribed meds that DO help me. It's an untalented doctor who tells a patient there's no hope.

Thank you, that makes me feel better.

[doyoutrustme]

specifically you need to find one who doesn't lean on meds as the only treatment. it's no good without therapy along with.

[doyoutrustme]

and if they start treating your side affects with more drugs, and then drugs for those side affects, move on.

[KeepingPace]

Ask for your money back! Shame on her. Report her to the board... and find a better therapist... is this person a psychiatrist or a psychologist..."out of options?" A new therapist is an option I think...!

[lunarafire]

LittleLeah -
Don't give up. Keep looking for a doctor that wants to help.
I hope you are able to get into a ketamine clinical trial.

I am also trying to get into a trial myself. There is an office about 30 mins from me that offers ketamine infusions, but they want 3k for 6 infusions.

runningonresilience -

I will be looking into the genetic testing that you mentioned. Thanks for posting about it.