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This all-inclusive book describes my experience as a study subject implanted April 4, 2001 with the vagus nerve stimulator in the FDA investigational trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a therapy for chronic depression. By reading Out of The Black Hole, you will be fully prepared to make an informed decision about the vagus nerve stimulation implant procedure.
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You can buy Out of the Black Hole from Barnes & Noble and:
Or, you may be able to obtain a copy from your psychiatrist.
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Out of the Black Hole contains answers to many of the questions and everything you need to know to be fully prepared to informatively discuss vagus nerve stimulation therapy with your doctor or psychiatrist.
- What is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and how does it work?
- Easy-to-understand explanations about this 90-minute out-patient procedure
- The side effects and benefits of the VNS
- Answers to common questions such as: Do you feel the implant or stimulation? What does it feel like?
- Special chapter on Brain Stimulation by the Chief of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Jerold Rosenbaum, M.D.
- How to locate a psychiatrist or surgeon near you familiar with vagus nerve stimulation and the implant procedure
- Insurance reimbursement process, including codes and sample letters (with the help of The Patient Advocate Foundation)
- Forwards by John Zajecka, M.D. of Rush University Medical Center (Chicago) and Nancy Williger, Ph.D. (Washington University)
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
Out of the Black Hole: The Patient's Guide to Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Depression prepares you to make an informed decision about the implant procedure. The book is written in an easy-to-understand way for patients by a patient and includes the side effects and benefits of vagus nerve stimulation, the insurance codes and reimbursement process and details of the implant procedure.
From the Author
When I was enrolled to be a study subject in the investigational
trial of vagus nerve stimulation as a
treatment for depression, there was nothing for me to use
as a resource to research this procedure. I simply signed an 11-page
legal consent agreement and hoped for the best. I would
have loved to have had this type of book available to me. This
is a must read book written by a patient for patients (and their
families) in an easy-to understand explanation about the implant
procedure.
I share with you my personal battle with this terrible disease, the countless antidepressant combinations, ECT and the frustrating search for an answer. I want you to have the benefit of the information and advice that was not available to me in April of 2001. Do yourself a favor and read this book cover-to-cover. It will answer many of your questions and will be an invaluable resource after you have been implanted.
What Readers Say
- "Mr. Donovan, thank you so much for your wonderfully inspiring book. It has made me feel less alone." —Martha S. from Florida
- "This is the first book that I have ever read written by someone who truly understands the despair and sadness that depression sufferer's experience. Your story has given me that gram of hope to keep on living." —Stella M. from Wisconsin
- "Now I finally understand the daily struggles that my daughter has had to endure for over fifteen years. Thank you for sharing your story. I am closer and more supportive of my precious daughter and her two children." —Walter H. from New York
- "I related to everything in your courageous book. Your story is my story. I no longer feel alone in my suffering and have renewed hope that I may benefit from this new treatment."
—Laura S. from Utah
- "I would encourage patients to read this book before discussing this treatment with their doctor. It will fully prepare patients (and their family members) to have a more informative dialogue with the doctor." —Patrick S., M.D. from California
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