Posted by Ilene on October 3, 2005, at 19:55:26
In reply to Re: Getting Worse » Ilene, posted by Maxime on October 3, 2005, at 16:53:33
I started having ECT last Fall when I was in the hospital. I stayed about 7 weeks, although I have very little memory of it. The ECT continued on an outpatient basis for several more weeks. Then I took a break and later re-started. I don't know how many treatments I got, but it was definitely above average. I finally said "no more" some time last Spring.
They gave me something called a PIC line because my veins are small and I'm hard to stick for anesthesia. (I actually like the feeling of going under.) I had a couple of problems w/ the anesthesia--feeling paralyzed or extremely cold--but most of the time it was in and out. Having the PIC line made it inconvenient to shower, but it was better than having a needle stick.
The experience was kind of mundane. You go in the early morning w/out breakfast. You have to be w/ someone who will drive you home. You don't even take off your clothes. The nurses help get you set up (blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) then you get knocked out. I got headaches afterwards and slept most of the rest of the day.
However, the ECT didn't help me, my memory isn't coming back, and I feel stupid and slowed down. I would be able to handle the memory loss better if I weren't so depressed, and it's possible the dumb feeling is due to the depression. Either way, I'm worse off.
OTOH, I know that some people have had good results. They may even be the majority.
I.
poster:Ilene
thread:562299
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051003/msgs/562470.html