My Bipolar Disorder was difficult to manage with medication alone. My Psychiatrist told me about a device that was waiting for FDA approval.
In 2005 the Vagus Nerve Stimulator was approved by the FDA and my doctor had all the information ready to send to my insurance company.
The first time insurance denied the device. Here’s how I got insurance to approve. I wrote a letter explaining what my life was like and how it controls my life and in time the possibility of suicide.
A VNS device looks much like a pacemaker with two leads that attach to your vagus nerves, sending signals to the brain to relieve your depression.
The surgery doesn’t take long, but getting used to the device turned on takes a while.
When you are talking the device makes your voice sound weird but only when the device is sending signals to the brain.
When I had my surgery, no one had seen one implanted which meant the Gallery was full of other doctors. My doctor got to see my boobs, that had to settle in.
After you have healed the device is turned on at a low level so you get used to the feeling of the device working. Then we turned up the level until we found what we thought was the right setting.
I kept it on for years but finally admitted it wasn’t working and had it turned off.
The only pain involved is initial surgery.
I thought this device would change my life but it didn’t work out that way.
These are the notes I made on 12/30/05
Received a letter today from the insurance company, they approved.
I can’t wait to call my Psychiatrist to tell him the news and to get my surgery date rolling.
2005 has been a rough year but this news is my beacon of hope.
The greatest news all year.
Unfortunately, I was in the percentage of people that the device didn’t work.
I am waiting to hear about new treatments but nothing new for my mental illness.
Melinda
This is a repost from 2023.
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Wow, Melinda, so you tried it but it didn’t work right but this next one looks promising? I applaud you trying and hope there is something in the future that does work💕. In the mean time hugs 💕
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I still have more research to do but the stidies I’ve read are promising. Have a great day Cindy. :)
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I understand why you were eager to try it, Melinda. I’m sorry it wasn’t affective for you.
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Several of the non-invasive ones look promising. I’ve been research today and even the National Institute of Medicine did a study on one device with good results.
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that is so interesting! I did not ever heard of this device! I don’t think I’d like it, especially if it makes your voice all weird when you talk!
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It’s a shame it didn’t work for me.
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I didn’t know this was how it worked. It’s a shame that it failed
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So true. I’m hopeful I can get the effect form the un-impleted device. It want the the same of course but I don’t plan on having anothhr implanted. You have to have it taken out every 10 years to install a new battery and when I’m 70ish that isn’t in my plans. Two have good reviews, one isn’t available in America but the one I’m looking at in only one star less and sounds great. Just need to do some more research before I spend $450 on it. :)
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That sounds like a possibility doesn’t it?
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Hi Melinda,
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you went through a lot to try and find relief from your bipolar disorder. I can relate to the struggles of managing mental health, especially when treatments don’t work as hoped. It’s tough when something that promised so much doesn’t deliver the results you were expecting. I hope new treatments become available soon and that you find something that works for you. I suffer medically with bipolar disorder and depression which is the worse combo or one – two punch, and have had it for so many years. I got off my meds in 2017 because it made me feel like an entire different person. I was even losing my memory and couldn’t remember what I did and hour ago, and still even after being off my meds, I still struggle to remember things. So now I try to manage my bipolar and depression on my own which has been extremely challenging and not always healthy for me. This is why I write and do the things I do for the Lord. Because they bring me Peace, Calm and stillness, especially on days when I want to scream, cry or dare I say, the D Word. I faced these difficulties with my condition even while on medication. I feel your pain and I hope somehow someone figures out a way to help those in need.
God Bless You today and always.
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Bipolar Disorder needs medication to be controlled, you wereprobabaly not on the right medications. Since I’m on the depressive side my protocol is a mix of antidepressants and stimulants. I did start Trintelix about 3 months ago and I feel better than I have in years. Take good care.
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