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Originally Posted by LittleEarthquakes
Has anyone tried this? I have been through Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, over 25 meds, many different therapists and therapies for a long period of time, and 12 years of daily, moderate to severe depression with agoraphobia and social anxiety disorder. I guess I would just like to hear anyone's stories. I'm terrified of it affecting my memory, and also just terrified of being sedated, to be honest.
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You sound a little like me in the sense that you have tried over 20 meds, different therapists, co-morbid conditions. I first felt depressed at 7 years old and had ECT when I was about 31.
There is nothing to be afraid of with the procedure; everyone will be totally used to doing the procedure and put you at ease completely. The sedation is an absolute cinch, you breathe some oxygen, some stuff goes into your arm and then you wake up after the procedure.
You Psychiatrist will choose whether you have unilateral or bilateral ECT which means you either have one or two pads applied to your forehead. Unilateral can be tried first if you are worried about memory. No joke I have seen people CURED from ECT. People who couldn’t even mumble and look you in the eye at the same time and wanted to die. Complete turnarounds. I have also seen people getting temporary relief and then regress and people who have it to good effect and come back for maintenance doses.
You’re the one who has to sign the consent form at the end of the day so it’s your call but wouldn’t you always be wondering whether it would have helped you or not? I’m not sorry I had it even though I was only cured for two weeks because now I know I have given it a really good go.
Good luck! Xx