ECT ? Anyone ?

Hey all

I’m thinking about ECT. I’ve tried so many meds and TMS and ketamine infusions and depression always comes back strong . This cycle is my longest (one year)
I’ve spoke to my drs and the administering drs and had the eval. The percentage of helping alleviate depression is something like 80%.

Anyone go through with this recently ? Was it successful ?

Yeah. I remember you replying when i asked about this earlier thank you. I don’t understand. What Happened with ur mom ?

And you yourself have done it ? Did it help with ur depression ? Or it did and then depression came back ?
Sorry if those are too sensitive.

I feel so weird right now. I’m not sure what to do

Oh wow, i see now. Thanks for explaining it, sorry i was confused before. That’s great to hear actually and I’m happy the benefits of it worked for you and your mom. So your six treatments helped with food and alcohol issues and your depression ? Wow! And have you had any maintenance treatments ?

I’m still reluctant (as is my therapist) because i don’t know what’ll happen and it’s my brain. I mean, that’s just huge to ponder a dr altering my mind somehow. Especially since I’m on so many medications and we have no idea what they’re doing or effecting my brain chemistry and my personality and behaviors. I guess I’ll just keep thinking about it. I’ve also been contemplating going to a place where i can be supervised but stop taking all the medicines and see how i feel. It’s be such a Long process to wean off of them all slowly, i don’t think I’d handle that well at all. So i have some thinking to do. But I’m glad i met with the hospital so i have a better understanding of ETC. one dr says yes, one says no and I’m stuck in the middle with what i want to do.
But it was good to hear that your ECT and your moms were overall helpful. I’m glad ur alive and fighting the fight. I’m trying to do the same...

Oranged,

I am surprised Ketamine did not work. However, everyone is different right?

My dark thoughts are brought on from pain levels.

HT is correct that ETC does work for a high percentage of people. I have yet to meet anyone that it as not worked for.
I have been inpatient 6 times. Here in the USA, most docs, want you inpatient to have it done, 3 times a week and you are monitored. Safer that way. Depends on response how long and how many treatments.

The only side effect is some short term memory loss. Does not seem to bother most people. Heck I have that from my other mental diagnosis!

I wish you the best of luck with it, if you decide to do it. Please keep us up to date. We are all pulling for you!

Peace and strength
Trina

In 2000 and 2001, my depression was severe and psychiatric medications weren't working for me. Hence, my psychiatrist at the time recommended ECT treatments for me. I decided to try it.

Unfortunately, it didn't work for me. The depression didn't lift.

Also, as a result of the ECT treatments, I have very little memory of my life during late 2000 and the first six months of 2001.

However, ECT treatments were not the last resort for me, as I finally got on meds that worked for me afterwards.

Hi, Karen.

No, my memories of late '00 and early '01 haven't come back like they do with many individuals who take ECT treatments.

But that's okay with me. Life goes on.

Yep memory loss from ECT me too. But not phased by it. It is what it is.

I wonder what many decades of medications has done to not just the brain but the rest of me?

Hi again HW people,

I think I’m going to go through with it. I did some research, spoke to some friends and family. I have to get some sort of a life back and medicines aren’t helping me. While i do go to therapy, that’s about all i do and that just isn’t a life for me. I know this because when I’m not depressed, i love life and doing things and being with people. Docs have suggested bi polar might be in my mix. Anyway.

I’m afraid because other major treatments have not worked for me. So again it’s like a trial... i always think that it’s like my fault i have depression, it’s a me thing. That the medicines aren’t working cause i don’t have the same depression or anxiety that most have. Anyone ever get like that?

My therapist is trying to help me see that it’s my genetics plus life experiences that make me, me: But if i could make the “healthier” or more positive choice i would, but That’s exactly what my issue is. I can see both options but i default to the “bed and covers” Today I’m all sad, the relentless crying and I’ve tried breathing, taking a walk, watching something positive on youtube, tv, and just sitting with the awful feelings and let them pass by. Coming on here and reading and now typing out some venting. But it doesn’t make me feel better. I’m doing this cycle consistently. It’s so hard and demanding and I’m sick n tired of being sick n tired. Ughhh, just venting... i guess it’s better to do so with some people who might understand a bit.


I hope if ur reading/browsing this site, like I’ve spent plenty of time doing that something eases up or lifts off of you for a little, that some goodness prevails. I saved a little bird from my parents’ filter in their pool. Not that it was so difficult to do, but it made me happy. I actually felt happiness and when i went back to check and see if the little guy left the area where i placed him in the woods, he was gone, I pictured him away flying or with his family safe. I def heard a concerned family member squawking when i was handling him.

My dr says i shouldn’t wish to extend the good feeling, cause that’s how depression works. It feeds on the non happy times making it worse and unhealthy. Instead be proud that i saved the little bird, took some action. In my head i hope n pray that something “good” will happen for me then. That’s my truth, i know it must sound like a jerk, but sometimes hope is all i have...

Peace-
🤙🏻Oranged

Hello. Thanks and same to u , Aww nice. Robins are my favorite.

Yeap- stinks is true.

Think I’m gunna try the ect for sure.

Think I’m going to keep track here....
had my first ect procedure. Didn’t feel a thing, painless and it seemed it was quick. I was quite tired when i got home so i slept a few hours. The jaw pain was pretty bad so i think i might buy a mouth guard for next one. I was also not able to fall asleep until 4am and had a lot of relentless crying. I got a few more hours sleep and although i still “feel” the same i also do feel a smidge “lighter.” Hard to explain. But in reality, i sent out some texts to people (which i normally not would have) and decided to post here as well. I wanna have one spot specifically about ECT so i can remember the facts. Woke up with same jaw, throat back pain but nothing horrible and I’m sure Tylenol will help. Have a bunch more rounds to do but wanted to see how the first one would go or if I’d even make it to the hospital. I didn’t even have to take my anxiety medicine before going.... think my mind is overpowering nerves and wants to me to feel alive and worthy of living. I hope it continues because i haven’t found a medicine that works for me. Take care to all ! Especially if ur just browse reading, hello to u !

Oranged. GlAd to hear you felt a bit better. I can totally relate to the feeling that my depression is my fault. The guilt related to the whole situation is overwhelming. I wish I could escape it. I try so hard to act ‘normal’ when with family but it’s getting harder and harder. I isolate myself more and more. Hope your treatment continues to be successful. Good wishes your way.
Kramersmom

Hi Oranged,

I think because you are wanting to socialize and you are texting is a good sign. I guess it is probably too early to tell but it sounds like you have hope. And that is awesome.

Thanks for checking in. It means a lot and it gives me hope too. I am glad you are seeing your therapist soon. It sounds like you will have a lot to talk about! Keep hanging in there...

Have a good rest of the day...

Hugs, Karen...

Today is Wednesday the 14th and i had my second treatment of ECT done today. Again no physical pain during it, i was out like a light, but when i awoke in the chair i had a lot of involuntary crying. When i was moved to the waiting area, my family
Met me but i didn’t wanna wait there at all. I could hear the discomfort of the patients next to me separated by a curtain. When i got home, i slept a lot. Not really sure how i feel feel. Think I’ll know
More tomorrow when i wake up. My next appointment is Friday. I think it feels like my brain got zapped hah. I did have trouble
Remembering some things right there while i was waiting and on the ride home but luckily my fam had the answers for me. When i got home i realized how messy my apartment was the first time. I guess i just got so used
To it that it didn’t matter. Maybe tomorrow I’ll clean, i don’t know?
Anyway that’s that... hope everyone’s healing in some way! Be well