[diaryofamadman]

Does anybody have any experience with ECT or TMS? We're considering the procedures to treat my depression which hasn't reacted to any medications or therapy. What are your experiences with either of these? Good or bad?

[Skitz13]

Professionally, I've seen ECT performed a lot. I also had ECT about 3 years ago. Ive seen it work wonders but didn't work with me. The only side effect is short term memory loss which is temporary

[diaryofamadman]

Originally Posted by Skitz13

Professionally, I've seen ECT performed a lot. I also had ECT about 3 years ago. Ive seen it work wonders but didn't work with me. The only side effect is short term memory loss which is temporary

Okay, thank you for the info!

[Wander]

I had ECT for the first time just over a month ago as I had been severely depressed for some time and meds were no longer working. The treatment worked wonderfully and I am now relatively stable and not at all depressed. The procedure itself was not too bad, I just hated having a needle but to be honest the rest of the experience was positive, even enjoyable (I enjoy being knocked unconscious for some reason, probably the drugs). It amazed me how well it worked so I would certainly say it is a viable option for you but it does not work for everyone. I wish you well on your journey.

[Eliza Jane]

I have bp ii and did TMS twice in an attempt to go med-free. The first time, it seemed to work amazingly and very fast. However, in retrospect, it actually had made me hypomanic. I was "good" for maybe 3 months and then crashed terribly. I tried it again and it didn't do anything. Well, except drain my bank account. I hear some insurance us starting to cover it, but when I had it 2 years ago, my insurance did not. It cost nearly $12,000 and essentially accomplished nothing.

There have been some TMS threads on the alternative board lately, so you might check there too.

Best,
EJ

[Wander]

I forgot to mention having professional caring health practitioners did really help me immensely. It is an important part. When I went in I was in a very bad place and anxious about the treatment so that support was wonderful.

[Polibeth]

I had ECT - it helped immensely but has caused a lot of forgotten memories and I swear I am a worse driver now - I have no sense of direction. But I still get it from time to time as a maintenance therapy because my pdoc insists it works so well.

[wildflowerchild25]

I had fifteen ECT treatments eight years ago. They worked really well. I stayed off meds and out of treatment for six years. I cycled but it was manageable. I had severe Memory loss though. I would consider it again only as an absolute last resort because of that and also because I wouldn't be able to work while receiving treatment.

[lilypup]

I have also considered ECT when seriously depressed and sui. I was terribly afraid of the memory loss. Fortunately, I got better with meds and didn't need it. I am glad, however, that it is around if I need it.