[hockeynut21]

Hello,

I've recently discovered the Neuro Talk forums. Although the support there is amazing, I came to find something specific.

I've been bipolar most of my life and finally got to the point last year where I could barely function due to all the meds I was taking. So, in an effort to reduce my medication and get my depressive side under control, I finally agreed to try Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). I began in November doing the acute phase which is going 3 days a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). It's awful because I get migraines and the anesthesia makes me sick for the entire day. I'm just lucky that way. BUT - it helps! My medication has been drastically reduces and I'm not constantly depressed looking for a way out. Just sometimes.

Anyway, I'm trying to find someone who does ECT also. Someone I can talk to who understands what it's like. Is there anyone who can help me?

Debbie

[dj586858]

I am tired of taking so many meds too, especially during the times like this when we looking for the next right dosage, but I have never tried ECT. It sounds terrifying. Then again being out from under this darkness that seems to hang around more & more sounds great. I hope you keep feeling better, Debbie!

[blueoctober]

Welcome Debbie, I know there is another poster that has been doing ECT. I don't have experience with it, but I just wanted to welcome you. I hope you find this site supportive.

Hi Debbie,

I'm not currently doing ECT but I'm an inpatient in the hospital and will be starting ECT for my first time ever ASAP. Hoping that it will work, as medication has not done quite enough to stabilize me. I'm glad to hear that this treatment has helped you.

[Anneinside]

Originally Posted by hockeynut21

Anyway, I'm trying to find someone who does ECT also. Someone I can talk to who understands what it's like. Is there anyone who can help me?

Debbie

I have had ECT since the end of May 2009. I started out with six sessions, 3 times a week, went to once a week, then every other week, every three weeks and finally once a month. I have two more treatments scheduled and then we'll stop it and see how I do. If I run into trouble with depression again then I'll start it again. Although my antidepressant helps, it just isn't enough some times and I get very suicidal.

I am very lucky as I just get a "regular" headache for the day, although sometimes several days, my scalp is sore, and I usually sleep for the morning. I am given a drug to dry out my mouth so I can't really eat for about six hours. (Since there is no saliva, any food I eat is really dry, sticks to my mouth and I can't swallow it.) I have very little and most of the time, no memory loss.

Even with the side effects, I feel that ECT is the best thing for me to do. The consequence of deep depression is just dangerous for me. I would be glad to talk to you about ECT.

[Amandas256]

Do they knock you out before they do the treatment? I am curious about this because I want to try it.

[Anneinside]

Absolutely, you are TOTALLY out! I can tell you what happens with me. When I come go into the hospital at the outpatient surgery to have the ECT, nurses do a check-in (blood pressure, temp,...) They confirm with me that I hadn't eaten since at least midnight or taken my meds yet. (You don't ingest anything, including meds prior to the treatment since you are knocked out.)

Then the anestheologist comes in and puts in my IV. As soon as the pdoc is ready for me they wheel me (in the bed) to the recovery room where they have a small room with the ECT machine. Heart monitors leads and EEG leads (brain wave monitor) are put on my chest and head and behind my ears. The ECT machine pads are put on both sides of my temples, that is bilateral ECT (only one pad is unilateral but it is usually less effective). The pads look like larger pain or no-smoking patches. Then the anestheologist put me out with meds through the IV. ....and... I'm out. The next thing I know I am in the recovery room. After I am fully awake they bring me back to my room in outpatient surgery. Twice, 15 minutes apart, they check my blood pressure. Then I can leave. If necessary, you can stay longer but I am usually ready.

You can't drive yourself from the hospital since you were under anesthesia and they prefer that someone take you home but since I don't have anyone, they let me take a taxi to and from ECT. I have never had any trouble with that.

It is not scary or painful. The staff I have been in contact with are always nice and I usually don't have to wait very long to have the treatment... that always depends on how many people are waiting for ECT. The most that have been there when I was there was 6 and the least has just been me. I have to arrive at outpatient surgery by 6:30am. The pdoc (luckily my regular pdoc) arrives by 7am. I have ECT as soon as it is my turn. It probably takes about 20 minutes between each patient as the treatment itself takes only 1 or 2 minutes. What takes longest is putting all the sensors on!

If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

I went through two rounds of ECT (a total of 17 treatments). I found it very helpful. There is a chance you will lose memory. I lost several months the first round, but none the second round. Be prepared for that. My husband lost much more memory than I did and really needed to be supervised for a few months. This isn't a completely benign procedure for everyone.

[hockeynut21]

I would love to talk with you regarding ECT. It's been so difficult not having someone who understands to talk with about it.

Debbie

Originally Posted by hockeynut21

I would love to talk with you regarding ECT. It's been so difficult not having someone who understands to talk with about it.

Debbie

I completely understand that feeling.