[Clinte89]

My doc has said he wants me to do 3 more ect treatments. I have refused this. It has been highly effective so is it a bad idea to go against his wishes. I am just tired of them, the wired feeling the medicine makes me the anxiety I feel before them everything. Before I was not worried cause if I died it was a win win, but now I dont want to die and Im afraid of everything that may kill me. So do you think it is foolish for me to call them off?

[LucyG]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! It's your body, and if you aren't comfortable with a treatment, you shouldn't have it. I'm glad it helped so you now want to live.

[Clinte89]

Thanks for making me feel good about my decision I know he only wants what's best but I feel I'm at a good point in my treatment.

[Confusedinomicon]

Try to get into an outpatient program. Work on nutrition and a routine.

ROUTINE IS IMPORTANT IN STABILITY. Humans are habitual! Unless we're going on vacation we should have an idea of what we'll be doing the preceding day.

I don't think you need the ECT if you're uncomfortable with it. I DO think you need to get into a program that will keep you occupied so you're not by yourself for most of the day until you feel really comfortable with yourself. PLEASEEEE remember that FOLLOWUP is important.

Clint, I've had ECT. What is it that makes you fear death from ECT? Why is your pdoc feeling a few more treatments may be in order? Do what you need to do. Just be certain the three extra treatments aren't really needed. It isn't unusual to need a few extra treatments. That is what my husband required to get him to the best spot for him. (And it all went fine).

[Clinte89]

Just the sedative makes me feel weird and like I can't breath, they do have all the stuff to cover me if I don't breath but just afraid of that and I used to not care but now I do cause I feel good I want to get out there and live. I feel I'm in a good place my doc said to make sure it sticks three more but I felt good at 4 and did 4 more so I think I'm covered.

[hamster-bamster]

I am so glad you want to live now!

Originally Posted by Clinte89

Just the sedative makes me feel weird and like I can't breath, they do have all the stuff to cover me if I don't breath but just afraid of that and I used to not care but now I do cause I feel good I want to get out there and live. I feel I'm in a good place my doc said to make sure it sticks three more but I felt good at 4 and did 4 more so I think I'm covered.

you sound to me that you know exactly what you're talkin' about Clint. The doc wants one thing...and you want another thing. This entire experience has been yours and it continues to be and I just believe that you know best right now.

...and if you've had enough for now...then fair enough!

...it's like if I fill up my car at the servo, it's all set to drive and drive and why overfill it?

...at least I can pull into the servo again if and when I want a refill, not sayin' you are like a psychological fuel tank! ...because it really sounds like you are going to get some magical mileage out of yourself...which is very cool

...I know a couple of people who pop in for an ECT top up from time to time because just like with you it has been effective... It might be tempting to think "oh crap I'm gonna be screwed if I don't do what they say".....

but you do sound pretty terrific and I'm real proud of you and it's great you popped out the other side!...shows you have heaps of spirit!..

[~Christina]

I'm so happy for you .. feeling better is something to celebrate! Enjoy

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Clinte89

My doc has said he wants me to do 3 more ect treatments. I have refused this. It has been highly effective so is it a bad idea to go against his wishes. I am just tired of them, the wired feeling the medicine makes me the anxiety I feel before them everything. Before I was not worried cause if I died it was a win win, but now I dont want to die and Im afraid of everything that may kill me. So do you think it is foolish for me to call them off?

I think you are overvigilant in your newly-found commitment to life. You used to not care at all and now you worry too much. If ECT has not killed you so far, it is unlikely to kill you. So that concern is foolish, in my mind. Other concerns - that you are too tired, etc. - are valid reasons to say no to treatment, at least for now.

[hamster-bamster]

Clint, what I would do is write to BNLsMOM and ask for her opinion. She has had many ECT treatments. She is not currently active on the forum, but she might respond to your PM.

[venusss]

I think you have to listen to your body and your mind. carefully.

Docs know statistics. And you are not a stastic. You are you... Confused makes good point too. Try to organize your life now when you get the will to live it.

[Eliza Jane]

The question that I would ask my pdoc is: what would happen if I wait to start feeling poorly before doing the next few treatments? If the pdoc answered that it would make no difference, I would wait. If pdoc answered that if I was already feeling badly I would need more than 3, I would consider the 3 now. I have no idea about ECT, but my TMS guy seemed to indicate that I would be able to get by with fewer treatments if I didn't wait until I was in bad shape.

If you decide to not do the additional treatments now, I would be sure to communicate with him about your decision. I had a neighbor who did a few ECT treatments and decided he didn't want any more. He was actively psychotic and convinced his mother that this was best. The doctor had previously said that they were not to cancel a treatment without meeting with him. They ignored this rule. Then they changed their mind. The doctor would no longer work with him (and I think he is the only ECT guy in town?!). Now I don't think this is right or ethical, but it does point out the importance of not burning bridges.

Good luck making your decision. I'm glad that you are doing so much better!

Best,
EJ

[ElisaB]

As a person that did not continue the ECT's and is now feeling pretty crappy, I say continue the treatment program. My doctor recommeneded 4 more treatments that I could not afford or do. I was feeling pretty good, with the exception of the initial groggyness and having to depend on people to drive me around, but was seeing the "joy" of living again. Thought I didn't need them since I was feeling ok. Now, I'm thinking otherwise and nothing I can do about it. Ultimately, it is YOUR choice and no one else's. If I had to choose again, I would finish the treatment program.

[Clinte89]

Well I doubt my doc will leave me at least I hope not that would suck. But I think im in a good place right now. So Im going to stick with my choice and If it backfires then Ill just have to do it again. No big deal. At least I hope so.

[faerie_moon_x]

Hi Clint, glad you're back and feeling better!

It is your responsability and right as a patient to be able to direct your own treatments and care. Tell your doctor you would like to hold off on the next 3 treatments and determin if you need them. If it appears they are not needed, then you don't have to have them. But if you start slipping back then you should have them since they did help you.

If your doctor were so unreasonable to leave you because you are taking responsability of yourself, then that is a terrible doctor. Good doctors will listen to their patients.

Maintainance treatments are always an option down the road if you need them. I never did maintainance, but I know some people go in every few weeks or every month or so for a treatment to maintain the level of stability. So you have options if need be.

[Anneinside]

I take ECT treatments. For the initial series they give 6 to 12 with 3 treatments a week at most places. I have been on maintenance at once every 4 weeks but recently been sliding so I am now scheduled for 5 treatments in a row - had one today, Friday, then MWF of next week. Then we will move to every 2 week treatments again for awhile. It usually works for me.

You, however, had to make your own decision about this. Know that you can restart treatments again if you decide to do so.