[Daonnachd]

I had an ECT treatment yesterday but today I don't feel any better. I have my ECT doc's phone number. I could call her right now to let her know. I could also simply make a note to remind myself to mention it when I see her at the end of August.


What's your opinion on this? I'm not excited to make a phone call. Nor am I particularly interested in changing my ECT schedule. For the amount it costs I don't want there to be any doubt about its efficacy.

Thanks!

[Wild Coyote]

Hi!

I am sorry the treatment did not work as you had anticipated.

I understand why you may not want to call the doctor. At the same time, I have always found it best to report issues with treatment/services if/when I let someone know immediately.

Do you think she will want you to come in for another treatment ASAP?

I know it's quite a trip. I am sorry there is a "glitch" this time.

Best wishes with whatever you decide.

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry that you're struggling SO MUCH, @Daonnachd! I COMPLETELY agree with @Wild Coyote about reporting any possible troubles to your Doctor. That seems like the wisest thing to do in my opinion. I understand if you decide not to. Still, you're right in saying that it's expensive and that it should be worth your money so I feel like you have EVERY RIGHT to complain if things aren't going well. Sending many safe,w arm hugs and many positive vibes to you, Daonnachd! Please keep us updated if you want to! Feel free to PM me ANYTIME when you're looking for Advice and Support! My Inbox is ALWAYS OPEN FOR EVERYONE! THAT'S A PROMISE! PLEASE KEEP FIGHTING AND KEEP ROCKING AS MUCH AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN LIKE YOU'RE ALREADY WONDERFULLY DOING!

[~Christina]

I would at least make the call.

Sorry you didn’t get relief as you normally do

[Daonnachd]

Well, I missed the window of opportunity so I guess no call today. I just don't understand why I wanted to stay in bed and isolate all day. Maybe I'll have a clearer mind on what to do tomorrow.

Thank you, all, for your responses.

Sorry to hear this, Daonnachd. So are you going to make the call today? Keeping you in my thoughts.

[*Beth*]

It sounds like you have been getting ECT for a while? Since your result was different this time I'm with the others...give a call (maybe you already have today). I know how annoying it is to have to call...I'm actually on hold right now for a government agency I'm trying to contact. But you know the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that....

[Wild Coyote]

Hey There!
Just stopping in to check on you.
How are you doing today?

[Daonnachd]

I've made a note on my mood record. It will remind me to talk with my doc next time I'm there at the hospital for ECT. I'm just going to rely on that since I couldn't make it in for another treatment in less than four weeks anyway. I strongly suspect that's what she'd suggest, that I go in for more ECT this week. So I guess I've let circumstances make my decision for me. I feel a bit better though, more or less normal.

[Wild Coyote]

Hi Daonnachd. Can you maybe call tomorrow? It definitely doesn't hurt to keep your doctor informed.

I recall you saying that you've found ECT to be quite helpful. I'm sorry you don't feel as well today as you've felt in the past, from the ECT. I guess nothing is perfect, and some weeks our moods are just stubborn about being a bit down. I hope you will look at the big picture, in terms of how ECT has and hasn't helped over time. It's a good thing to do.

Are you taking any medication(s) in addition to the ECT? I know that sometimes they cut down on some, but I think there are some that can be continued.

I recall you writing about a lovely day when you hoofed it up a steep set of hills on your bike, and then went home and spent quality time with your wife and son. All days can't be that sweet, but they can be reminders that little positive steps/actions in a day can make a difference. Don't forget to work your healthy living and coping skills. Just as no one or more medication can do the full job of making us well in life, nor can one other type of treatment. It's the whole combo of things. Also, wouldn't it be lovely if every day of our life was great? But no one has that kind of luck, even folks who don't suffer from the challenges we do.

I hope tomorrow is a better day. If not, better days will indeed come.

[Daonnachd]

Yes, I'll call tomorrow. At the very least, keeping her informed is a good idea.

ECT has indeed been helpful. I will stick with it, at least for now. It's sort of a supplement to the meds I'm on, Abilify and Wellbutrin.

Thanks for reminding me that not every day can be ideal, that there's a natural cycle to things.

Did you manage to call? How’d it go?

I hope you’re feeling better

[Daonnachd]

Thanks, Blue, I am feeling better.
I didn't talk with my doc but asked that the ECT coordinator put a note in my file for next time.

[*Beth*]

In my opinion, that was a smart action to take. It seems that with every treatment, even the ones that are successful, there will be days when things just are off.