Posted by chiron on April 11, 2008, at 0:17:03
In reply to Re: ECT Question, posted by bleauberry on April 8, 2008, at 15:59:28
My experience with ECT was mostly positive. I have had depression since I can remember, and got into a deep hole from the wrong med mix. I went to the hospital, but left still in pretty bad shape. After talking to some people who had had ect (with good results), I was desperate enough to do it. After only 5-6 sessions I felt better than I have ever felt in my life. Unfortunately the effects started to diminish after about 3 weeks, but I was out of the hole.
I've tried maintenance, which wasn't as successful. I again desperately needed another fix after Geodon. Luckily my dr. called me back on a Sunday, and he could get me in the next morning (My dr. is very kind, respected, and educated.) That series of about 5 sessions got me out of my deep psycho hole as well.
I haven't done it in a while, and I'm not planning on it. I'm hoping increasing my Lamictal dose (along w/ my coctail) will have a positive effect. I've been through the med gamut, with many of them making me worse. But I would do it again if I got as bad as I was.MEMORY - Yip, it affected it. But for me it was only partially, and sometimes I just needed a clue to remember. It sucked, but it was worth it.
During the procedure I guess you are only out for a little while. The only side affects I had were a regular headache & the memory loss. Sometimes I would go to work the same day.
The idea of charging/rebooting my brain with a seizure doesn't frighten me. It usually feels like it needs to be.
It's a hard decision. One book I've recommended is "Shocked" by Kitty Dukakis.
Good luck
poster:chiron
thread:822155
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080330/msgs/822636.html