Ces For Ptsd

[Lurch]

I have an organization step forward and offer me a Alpha Stim M, which is a cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) device. There is research stating that it has positive affects on PTSD. Is there anyone out there that has ever used one? My doc is excited about me getting it, and I am know a little concerned about being her lab rat.....

Here is a couple of article about it.

http://www.stripes.com/news/promising-ptsd-treatment-faces-hurdle-1.186247
http://www.stress.org/military/ptsd/http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/invisible-wounds/201208/one-ptsd-treatment-tool-risk


I can read all the medical journals I want about the product, but really want some real life experiences with it. Let me know what you think, positive or negative. Thanks.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Lurch

I've never had this type of device nor do I know of anyone that does either. It's just my personal opinion here but I'm against this sort of thing, it just doesn't seem right. More like shock therapy, which was really a big thing as far as treatment goes at one time.

I know you're going to do what you feel will help you in the long run and that's completely up to you. I would just say that if after you've tried all other forms of therapy and you're no better then perhaps it's something to consider. It just seems extreme, to me.

Jar

 

[Friday]

I always get extremely wary when doctors get excited.

There are just certain groups of people where you really just want them as bored as possible. Doctors, police, sentries, etc. If you're interesting to them, it's just generally a bad sign of things to come. But I'm jaded. And my mission in life is to be boring.

 

[Lurch]

Thanks for your concerns over the quackery. I know shock therapy works for certain ailments (sore muscles, back issues) but not sure if it works here. Unless someone has had a bad reaction to this type of therapy, I think I'm gonna give it a shot. My other options are poisoning through medication or forced to breath through a CPAP. Neither option sounds all that awesome either.

I am always tired, never get enough sleep and I am tired of being in constant physical pain from the beast. If this eliminates or reduces any of my symptoms without throwing another damn pill down my throat every morning, then fabulous.

Sorry, just having a little pity party here. Told this week that I'm facing two to three surgery to try to stay active and on AD.

 

[JarHed]

Hey Lurch

It's A OK to rant or be tired of feeling bad. I would just say that you can get therapy for insomnia, no meds, and therapy for PTSD, no meds involved. I know it's difficult. It's just the idea of putting something in your brain that just scares the hell out of me and I wouldn't want to find out later that you had a bad reaction. Just concerned. I know you're AD and want to stay that way so I hope that what ever the decision that you come to helps you with that and your PTSD as well.

Jar

 

[Lurch]

JarHed, thanks. To be clear the unit does not go into the brain. If you have ever used a TENS unit, it is very similar. In fact it can also be used for muscle tension like a TENS unit. If it actually was placed into the brain, I would never even think about it. The theory behind the neurology and neuromuscular actions I don't quite understand yet. it attaches to two separate areas of the body depending on what you are trying to solve. There are pads for muscle relaxation, a pen for direct muscle therapy and ear buds for several items (depression, anxiety, insomnia and PTSD).

 

[JarHed]

Hey Lurch

I have used a Tens unit for back pain a long time ago. So, I'm relieved to hear it's more like that. Like I always say, you have to find your own way with treatments. What suits one may not suit another. I'm always amazed at some of the new things going on out there. I really hope it helps.

Jar

 

[Lurch]

Well I received my Alpha Stim M (http://www.alpha-stim.com/product-category/alpha-stim-m/) yesterday. I read the instruction and watched the little video last night and did my first session.

Background from yesterday to set the stage. Did physical therapy for my bad shoulder, was in so much pain I really thought I was going to vomit. Pain still hasn't subsided, even with meds. Yes my PCM and Physical Therapist know. After work went to a movie to celebrate my son having straight A's, this is a big trigger for a bad night sleeping. I can usually manage one visit every 4 to 6 months. Even with only 6 people in the entire theater, three being my family, it was not a pleasant experience

I did the treatment for 20 min last night on a fairly low setting. I probably could have used at a higher setting but wanted to take small steps to see how I dealt with it. The unit uses two AA batteries, on a .5 hz cycle, utilizing micro amps steps to increase or decrease the current given.

Results: The first night in years that I remember having three separate pleasant dreams. I didn't wake up as restful as I desired but for one night of treatment the results seem positive. I know this may be a placebo effect, or there may be other factors playing that I have not taken into account. I will continue to use the device and give periodic feedback, positive or negative. The military services still consider this equipment experimental, but it has been used in the private sector for anxiety, insomnia and depression fro quite some time.

Since I have the version that is also supposed to work on joint pain, I did a 5 minute session on my knee. This had minimal effect. I can't say my knee hurts less the morning because of the unit. I will keep trying it out, just in case.

 

[Sarg]

My shit-head sarcastic side would say "break out the tin foil hats". But I've seen first hand the power of devices like this. My wife used something similar when she was breaking so many bones from Osteoporosis. What would have taken many months to heal, healed rather quickly. So, Lurch, if it works for you, go for it. I would love to get a good nights sleep and not have to take enough drugs to drop a bull Elk.

So, let us know how it works!

Sarg

 

[JarHed]

Hey Lurch

Glad to hear you had a good night's sleep. Even a fair night's sleep is a good thing. Hope it works for you in the long term. Sorry to hear about your shoulder, pain that's chronic can make everything seem worse.

It's hard to find a good formula for getting a good night's sleep. There's just no simple thing that works for everyone. I have more good than bad since going through insomnia therapy, so that helped me. It's still poke and hope.

Jar

 

[Lurch]

I am hoping the shoulder pain goes away in the next few months. I got sent to an Orthopod over at an Air Force base. He sent me to do Physical Therapy before he would consider having someone work on the shoulder. The PT is making the symptoms worse, just like the Therapist told me it would. The Orthopod even admitted he doesn't do shoulder surgeries, but wouldn't refer me to someone who does until I finish the PT. So two months of pain before I see his sorry ass again to get a real referral.

All of this to prepare for knee surgery again.....

 

[OldDoorGunner]

Sounds like your Orthopod Doc maybe practicing for a job at the VA.......(y)(y)(y);););)