Quite space. Sterile room. Blank walls.
Inside, four tan cushy recliners.
Pick one.
Sit. Get comfortable. Use the white neck pillow.
The hardest part is keeping still.
Behind me the doctor arranges the adjustable arm of the magnetic stimulator. He positions the machine on the front left side of my head and away we go.
tick,tick,tick…
For 10 seconds it feels like someone is flicking their finger on my skull.
Then it goes quiet. I wonder when it will start again.
tick,tick,tick…
Do you feel OK?
Good. I’m going to turn it up.
Now the flicking changes to a slight hammering.
tick,tick,tick…
The room gets quiet. The silence seems to get louder.
10 seconds of stimulation, 20 seconds of eery quiet.
tick,tick,tick…
This continues for 30-40 minutes.
I read. Check email. Play solitaire. Anything to keep my mind off the tick,tick,tick…
It makes me jump. Even though I know it’s coming.
tick,tick,tick…
And yet the rhythm reminds me of the constant companion that I spoke of yesterday.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
My companion reminds me in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to give thanks, to keep on praying, and to be filled with His joy.
Listen for His Word in your life’s rhythm today.
For more information on TMS here are 2 interesting articles:
- TMS Treatment for Depression Gains FDA Approval
- When Nothing Else Works: Therapy Approved By FDA For Treatment-resistant Depression
Thank you for talking about this!
yes, thank you! I hope to hear more about the results. I’ve heard that it works.
Love you Shane!
I’m praying for you, girl!
Zeph 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love”.
So thankful our times are in His hands. As you hear the ‘tick, tick, tick’ know that each moment He is holding you in the palms of His hands.
Love & prayers,
Joy
Wow. I’m so glad they’re always working on new treatments. I’ll be really interested in if/when you notice any results.
I love how the ticking reminded you of your verse. What a great thing to have repeating in your head.
Steph
Yes- thanks for sharing