Anyone tried ECT?

[ladolcemorte]

So, I'm in the psych ward after a failed attempt. The Dr is suggesting ECT, which scares the shit out of me...anyone ever done it?

 

[cornflowerblue]

So, I'm in the psych ward after a failed attempt. The Dr is suggesting ECT, which scares the shit out of me...anyone ever done it?

Why not try it, if you were going to die otherwise anyway?

I'm waiting to do ECT, but I've talked to a lot of people who either loved it or found it neutral. I've read bad things online but nobody I spoke with individually had complaints.

 

[Egddios]

Had 9 ECT treatments in 2017 and am pretty sure after my psychiatrist appointment tomorrow, I'll be heading back inpatient for more.

I was super scared back in 2017, when I was deciding to go for it and try it, or decline. I went through with the first treatment and was surprised how quickly it goes. You wake up from anesthesia, and you're like really? That was it? I didn't feel anything too awful afterwards, either - save for headaches. I did get headaches after just about every treatment. That said, ECT didn't make me feel nauseous or lethargic afterwards, I wasn't a zombie. I struggle with memory issues but I attribute this to the many TBI's I've experienced in my life, not the ECT. I've had so many concussions, I struggle most with immediate recall (it's almost like the saying goes, "in one ear out the other").

Anyway, I get the fear beforehand, it's like going into the unknown. And it's not exactly comforting to know psychiatrists can't say exactly how it helps. We only know that it can help, and has helped people. Remember: IF you decide to go for it, and you don't have a positive experience, you aren't obligated to continue having ECT. Stop if/when you want to.

Did ECT help me in 2017? Yes.

 

[cornflowerblue]

Had 9 ECT treatments in 2017 and am pretty sure after my psychiatrist appointment tomorrow, I'll be heading back inpatient for more.

I was super scared back in 2017, when I was deciding to go for it and try it, or decline. I went through with the first treatment and was surprised how quickly it goes. You wake up from anesthesia, and you're like really? That was it? I didn't feel anything too awful afterwards, either - save for headaches. I did get headaches after just about every treatment. That said, ECT didn't make me feel nauseous or lethargic afterwards, I wasn't a zombie. I struggle with memory issues but I attribute this to the many TBI's I've experienced in my life, not the ECT. I've had so many concussions, I struggle most with immediate recall (it's almost like the saying goes, "in one ear out the other").

Anyway, I get the fear beforehand, it's like going into the unknown. And it's not exactly comforting to know psychiatrists can't say exactly how it helps. We only know that it can help, and has helped people. Remember: IF you decide to go for it, and you don't have a positive experience, you aren't obligated to continue having ECT. Stop if/when you want to.

Did ECT help me in 2017? Yes.

Your post reminded me to mention something. I think it's safe to say there WILL be memory loss during treatment. This isn't something to be scared of though because it's an absolutely normal and temporary side effect of anesthesia. Not even related to the shock, and the day-of memory loss doesn't mean your brain is fried forever.

 

[mathieu]

Yeah, I had a course of ECT. I don't think it helped much but my doctor thinks it did. Ever since then I've had bad anhedona. Trouble enjoying anything like movies, games etc.

 

[cornflowerblue]

Yeah, I had a course of ECT. I don't think it helped much but my doctor thinks it did. Ever since then I've had bad anhedona. Trouble enjoying anything like movies, games etc.

What does the dr say it helped with?

 

[mathieu]

What does the dr say it helped with?

Depression.

 

[not_a_robot]

I've seen many positive testimonials but never tried. I would try it if I had a Dr. I could trust not to kill me.

 

[cornflowerblue]

Depression.

Did he say what specific symptoms improved? Did he agree the anhedonia got worse? I am asking because I'm waiting for ECT so I want all info I can get!

 

[mathieu]

Did he say what specific symptoms improved? Did he agree the anhedonia got worse? I am asking because I'm waiting for ECT so I want all info I can get!

I'm not sure. She just said she thought it helped. I don't know if I mentioned the anhendonia

 

[Qbert]

You need to commit to maintenance ect to maintain the effect.