Outstanding experience. Staff is warm, friendly, private room very comfortable. Nurses efficient,…read moreknew what they were doing, so kind. Dr. Hollmuller is caring and compassionate; he LISTENED and I never felt rushed. They aren't just pushing people through; they're providing a lifeline for many who've done everything to address severe depression, to no avail. Am so appreciative of their veteran's/first responder discount - only one other doctor who offers this treatment in Dallas does it.
Although esketamine is FDA approved, I was told that IV treatment would be better for me. Esketamine is FDA-approved, but it's difficult to access in Dallas. Unless you're still working and have employer-subsidized insurance, it's still very expensive. Haven't found a Medicare-based plan from any insurance company that will cover it, so if you're retired or disabled, trying to live on a fixed income, you're pretty much out of luck. Am learning that as we age, if we're not fortunate enough to have had everything go "right" in our lives, we might now be expendable. Both nasal and IV treatment prohibit driving after treatment, so people who don't have family or friends to help have the added expense of transportation. If TKS was further away from me, I couldn't have done it, and I live in NE Dallas.
Paying 100% out of pocket for treatment makes it inaccessible for so many of us. I wonder how many suicides happen when people finally give up after years of taking antidepressants that don't work or have unacceptable side effects, who have had ECT or TMS, all with no symptom improvement.
Kept thinking that FDA approval would be forthcoming soon and make treatment less costly, so tried hard to keep going. Spent countless hours researching, making calls, nothing. Finally called the FDA in September and very nice PERSON provided ph #s to two pharmaceutical companies with pending requests. Both companies said their requests didn't include treatment of depression, but wouldn't explain. Did more digging and found that because pharmaceutical companies can't make it profitable, it's no longer even on the table. Doesn't look like it will happen any time soon, if at all.
Cried for a few days then started selling stuff and was able to pay for initial series of treatment. Thank you, God!
Due to strong faith beliefs, have never been suicidal, so didn't get an immediate "boost." Life-issues that worsen depression haven't been resolved, and meds don't solve everything. BUT anxiety decreased right away and after initial series, debilitating depression seems to be lifting after 25 yrs. I can feel a difference and to stabilize, even incrementally, would be life-changing.
Must now take radical steps and sacrifice some basic needs to continue treatment. I'll cut way back on everything and trust God to protect me. The payoff - if it happens like I think it will - will make the hardship worth it. If it doesn't, I'll accept that, but God has opened a door!
PS - If you decide to do this, create a well-considered playlist and wear headphones. No dance music!