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ECT for Depression and Fibromyalgia? Anyone else?

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Posted 12/28/2012 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
I have been diagnosed with Firbo for 2 years. After having severe chronic pain from Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain for 2 years following a home breech birth. Sorry if TMI.

Anyway, I am on Butrans for pain, which could be blocking some of the Antidepressants I am on, but the last year, I have gotten worse by the month. I am barely able to function. I have 2 children who are my world and I want more than anything to be the mom they deserve. I live in a constant state of guilt and loss of perception.

Anyway, I have been seeing this wonderful psychiatrist for a year who has been so patient and kind to me. He has tried EVERYTHING. No meds are working. NONE. I am on Adderall, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta and Klonopin, plus Butrans for pain. Even with the Adderall, I can barely function most days. ( My list of failed anti-depressants is LONG and pittiful)

Prior treatments include: Pain Program, Physical Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 9 years of counseling, , and prior to this psychiatrist, I was with another one for 7 years. Before him, I had been on meds through my PCP for 12 years. I got sober in 2000 and have been sober since. Attend AA Meetings. Therapy, etc.

Today, I saw my doc and he suggested ECT. He is conservative, so I know he wouldn't suggest it unless he felt we had gotten to that point.

The funny thing is, I feel hope again. I have read just a little about it and I think this could work for me. I would give ANYTHING to be able to feel somewhat normal again. To feel just a little bit of joy, to feel motivated, to feel creative and to feel like I WANT to live.

I am wondering if anyone else has had ECT with Fibro and Depression. And, if you found any relief from a deep depression. (I am a recovering alcoholic/addict x 12 years, sober.- but have never had depression this bad- EVER) I am so scared it will get worse and I will never be able to get myself back.

I also read that it may help with the pain of Fibro.

Is there anyone out there who could give me any personal experience with ECT that had just deep depression or Fibro? I would be so grateful to hear from people like me who have been through it.

Thank you so much.

Meaghan-mom of 2 who wants to be present again.

Post Edited (sassy42) : 12/28/2012 11:16:06 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/28/2012 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
I just found this from another user and it so describes how I feel that I had to post:

"As to people with depression having good and bad days, I haven't had what I consider a happy day in the standard sense of the word since 2005.The dog does something really stupid and funny, my daughter snuggles with me and I smell her shampoo, beautiful spring wildflowers. Intellectually, my brain says these should cause you joy and so I smile and go along but I still feel like an empty vessel, dark and bottomless."

This is me. I see my husband playing with my daughters, laughing and I have to take a picture of it. I do this, I think to capture the moment I know I am missing the joy that I should be feeling. Same with moments that would usually cause me intense joy and love with my daughters. I feel a bit of it, but more like crying because I am not present in any way. empty, empty, empty. I have been this way for almost 4 years. My youngest is 4. She has seen true joy coming from her mother maybe a hand-full of times. I fake it as much as possible. I want her to know what joy is. They learn it from their parents. But, most of the time, I feel like a blob of nothing, wanting nothing but to be left alone. To escape somehow, but there is no escape from myself, and I mostly have great guilt that I am a part of their lives, though I know they need me and I am able to fulfill some of their needs. They deserve so much more. How in the world did this happen to me? When did my world become this? It's amazing what a debilitating illness that noone believes is real can take away from a person. I tried to get better for so long, going from doctor to doctor, only finding my PCP, who treats me like a human being and my psychiatrist who also treats me like a human and actually puts trust in me.

Okay, sorry for the long post. It feels good to get some of this out
Posted 12/28/2012 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Oh sweetie. Have you tried all the different types of anti- depressants?

I know you are desperate to feel better but ECT is extreme and used as a last resort. Please research it carefully before continuing with this. I have never heard of it being recommended for Fibro and I certainly hope that doesn't become a trend. He's suggesting it for your depression, right?

What about finding another doc for another opinion? Can you afford a hotshot shrink at least for a consultation?
Sending you healing thoughts and prayers.
XO
Posted 12/28/2012 11:41 PM (GMT 0)
Awww I feel your pain about the depression:/ Mine was so bad that i started drinking and considered suicide way too many times to count. I too have endometriosis. Fibromyalgia as well as others. I used to get pain attacks all the time. I couldnt take any antidepessants becuase they did the opposite. The one thing finally that did help was cymbalta. Athough i still have the dep and anxiety, on this med i can handle it. God Bless You! I am praying for you
Posted 12/29/2012 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Meaghan,

Though I've never felt as down as you're describing, I do have wide mood swings and often have trouble bringing myself "up." So I know it's not always just a matter of snapping out of it.

I wish I could give you some perspective about ECT....I'm sure you're looking into it thoroughly, the possible benefits versus the risks....

I hope whatever you decide to do works for you. Good luck! I commend you for still pushing through it and trying your best to get well. It can't be easy.

Debbie
Posted 12/29/2012 8:27 AM (GMT 0)
Sassy- I totally relate to the severe chronic depression. I had it for about 18 years. The chronic health problems played a huge role in my depression. I wasn't over one thing and another problem came around. The pain was pushing my buttons. I am also a recovering addict.

After going through the lowest valley of my life I was contacted by a person that never new me. She heard my situation and reached out o me. She also suffers mental health issues. She introduced me to a book on depression. It really made a big dent in my chronic depression. I began to do therapy with this book. I also turned to my faith which gave me the most support.

I am happy to say my depression has lifted after 18 years. I feel like the chains have been broken and removed. I use to have a heaviness in my brain, but no more. The joy that I have been looking for so wonderful.

I just don't want you to give up. I have heard about ECT and have read some good things from it. I never considered that route myself. Have you work through any classes on depression? Have you tried a sad light? These are the things I use. Do you think your health issues or pain a factor in your depression?
Posted 12/29/2012 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
I've had ECT a few times and it did bring me out of my suicidal depression. The trade-off is memory loss. Go the Mayo website and read about it.

I also have RA and the last time I had ECT (last month) it really hurt my joints, so they had to paralyze me to do it so I wouldn't have a bone jarring seizure. Of course, I was asleep during all of this so only know what the docs have told me.

ECT for fibro? I've never heard of that and didn't find it to be true for me.

ECT for depression is effective, safe, and you will see results quickly. You will also need someone to stay with you and you will not be able to drive, plus the memory loss, as I mentioned.

The first time I had ECT it took 14 treatments 3x per week. I was in bad shape and very, very suicidal.

I wish you all the best. You may contact me if you wish.

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