[lucymae1]

Has anyone here had ECT. Had an eval for ECT and all the pre testing done than I backed out and thought I would try one more combo of meds.

It's been many years of trial and error. If this new med regiman does not work than I may do ECT.

I have had ECT done for severe depression and it worked when no medication or therapy did. I would never recommend it as a first treatment option, but if nothing else is working it can make a huge difference.

I would advise you before your first treatment, if you go through with it, to write down any important usernames/passwords and other important information just in case you temporarily forget.

[Crook32]

I have done ECT twice. First time unilateral and second time bilateral. Even though it probably saved my life I would never do it again. I had severe memory issues that lasted a couple of years. It truly is a last resort type of treatment.

[Daonnachd]

I have had 60-70 ECT treatments and continue with maintenance treatments. I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

[wildflowerchild25]

I agree that it is a last resort. I’ve had three rounds (total of 50ish treatments) and I did have severe memory and cognitive issues for awhile afterwards. But it was worth it to me because I would have died. I was so depressed I couldn’t even eat. I would do it again IF I HAD TO but I’m trying not to. I just hate the actual process. I’m terrified of anesthesia.

[Merlin]

I've had ECT and it was a lifesaver for me. It is a treatment of last resort, but it is an effective one. I had minor memory issues. I would have the same conversation repeatedly, unaware I had already discussed the topic. Additionally, I went to see a musical during my intensive 3x/wk treatment and have no recollection of seeing it. My memory issues mostly resolved themselves when I completed the ECT, though I still can't remember that musical. I came very close to having it a second time, but came out of my depression with just medication. I recommend ECT whole heartedly.

[Pookyl]

TMS may be an option worth discussing with your dr. It doesn’t have the same negative cognition issues as ECT and has worked for mixed moods and mania as well as the classic depression mood.
I will be trialling TMS if what I’m doing currently stops working.

[lucymae1]

Thanks to everyone. Yes ECT is my last resort. If these new meds don't work I'm going through with it. My doctor agreed.

[amicus_curiae]

Originally Posted by Merlin

I've had ECT and it was a lifesaver for me. It is a treatment of last resort, but it is an effective one. I had minor memory issues. I would have the same conversation repeatedly, unaware I had already discussed the topic. Additionally, I went to see a musical during my intensive 3x/wk treatment and have no recollection of seeing it. My memory issues mostly resolved themselves when I completed the ECT, though I still can't remember that musical. I came very close to having it a second time, but came out of my depression with just medication. I recommend ECT whole heartedly.

Same here. Some minor memory loss but I’m more memory-deficient now than back then. Nardil, in my case, was the final attempt of medication to combat severe depression and it almost killed me. ECT didn’t cure me but it helped me to escape my mute experience.