[wildflowerchild25]

So I survived my first week back at work after a three month absence. My first day back was wonderful. Everyone welcomed me back with smiles and hugs. No on asked me why I was gone for so long, they just said they were happy to have me back. My students were mostly happy to see me (some just didn't care lol). One said it was the best day ever because I was back, one jumped for joy and tackled me with a hug, and a few others smiled and gave me hugs while yelling "ms wildflower!". It was awesome. I'm so happy that I make a true impact on my students, and that they weren't put off by my behavior in the beginning of the year when I was always crying and known as the teacher who never smiles.

Work is a little hard to get back into. Thanks to the ECT, I have forgotten a lot of the basics of my job, like how to do IEPs and who gets incident reports. But thankfully I have been able to explain this to my administration- not mentioning ECT, just saying some of the treatments I had caused memory problems. They said it was not a problem. They also gave me my facilitator as a co-teacher for a couple of week until I get back in the swing of things. She has been so helpful in planning lessons for next week!

My major problem, which caused a bit of frustration today, is my concentration is shot. I think it's a side effect of the ECT. I just can't focus on anything for extended time! It's impacting my teaching because I am getting lost in the middle of lessons, forgetting what I have already said and stuff. I'm also having trouble preparing for class because I'm having trouble remembering what needs to be done. And I'm having trouble addressing all the behavior that needs to be addressed.

Do you think my brain will recover from the ECT over time and I will get my memory back? I did last time but I had more treatments this time, AND it's the second time I've gotten ECT.

Well I hope so. But I'm happy with the support I've received from my coworkers and administration. I'm very lucky!

[Tiny Dancer]

Congratulations on getting back to work. It's nice to hear that you have support from your peers.

I have never had ECT, but my friend went through it multiple times. She also complained of memory loss and a longer period of adjustment each time. She did, however, regain her faculties and all her memories returned. I know it's difficult, but hang in there.

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm so glad that your collegues are being supportive.

Boy did your students miss you - they sure are glad to have you back.

There will be some technical issues as you transition back, take it slow, you've been away for 3 months and now suddenly you're back into the swing of things. It will take time to adjust.

Hopefully someone who has had ECT can come forward and give some insight into the memory issues that you are currently facing.

Well done and take care.

[Mimielam]

I like how positive you're return to work went. It's great that you have a helper and wonderful that you're students where so happy to have you back. I remember when I went back to work..I was so tensed about it and really really wished no one would ask to many questions and it actually went well for me also. My memory and concentration felt shot from the medication and I was slow for a few weeks and just tried to focus on the important stuff and when came the time for breaks and meal time..I was out the door for "me time" ahhh I have no idea about ECT, Hope you find an answer for that.

[Tucson]

IMO you are a very fortunate person with excellent support at work. They are even making accommodations for you. I am sure you already realize this. I am very happy for you. I would take one day at a time.

[wildflowerchild25]

Well they may not be as supportive as I thought. I went on a job searching website because my husband lost his job so I might need to find a new one that pays more than this one and I saw my job up for grabs. They're looking to hire someone else. They posted it back in November so I'm not sure if they posted looking for a long term sub or to replace me totally. But honestly I don't care as long as they keep me on til June. I can understand why they'd want to get rid of me. I've had four hospital stays in the two and a half years I've been there and this last one sent me out for three months.

Sigh...I don't care if they fire me in June. It's their loss. I don't know how easy it will be to find another job but oh well.