Reaching Out For Help

[Tman321]

I am someone who had a VNS device implanted for treatment resistant depression. The device or battery stopped working and I am having a very hard time finding a surgeon to remove the device. I tried going to a VNS support forum except the administrator would not approve my request to join the group. There is no way to contact the administrator, and without being a member I cannot contact anyone on the site.

My depression is so severe that I can barely get out of bed and until I have the device removed I cannot receive any of the other treatment options for my depression. I don't have a support system because everyone has pretty much given up hope on me ever recovering, so I have no one to help me. I just don't know how I am going to keep going on without help or without people caring if I recover or not.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Tman321))))))

Welcome to Brain Talk!

What a shame that the VNS support forum denied your request to join. Was a reason given to you for the denial?

Unfortunately, I have no experience with the VNS, but we do have several members who do have a VNS. They might not see your post here or realize that you're posting about the VNS. Although I realize that you are not being treated for epilepsy, I recommend that you post in our Epilepsy forum, which is where most folks with a VNS post generally. Here's the link to our Epilepsy forum:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

I suggest you title your thread "VNS Help" or something with VNS in the title to draw attention.

Have you seen your neurologist or the surgeon, who placed your VNS, to determine whether the battery can be replaced or the device can be repaired? Was the VNS helping you?

Many people with the VNS simply turn off the device, if it is no longer effective, rather than have it removed.

How does the non-working VNS preclude you from other treatment options for your depression?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but the more you can share, the better able we might be in helping you.

Sometimes our forums slow down on the weekends, so please be patient with responses. And post in the Epilepsy forum with VNS in your title.

Love & Light,

Rose