Has anyone here with a history of heart disease AND with a pacemaker/defibrillator installed had ECT therapy.

I underwent ECT treatment four years after having a heart attack and triple bypass surgery but that has been sixteen years ago and, since then, I've had a number of stent implants as well as the installation of the pacemaker/defibrillator.

I know that my psychiatrist wouldn't even consider it an option with the approval of my cardiologist but I'm hoping someone could give me some info before I see my doctor again.

Thanks.

[healingme4me]

I don't have any personal experience nor know of anyone personally. Why wouldn't your psychiatrist approve it, if your cardiologist will?

[avlady]

talk to your cardiologist first i really don't know much about heart problems but do know my mother had open heart surgery which was successful. good luck

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by ciderguy

Has anyone here with a history of heart disease AND with a pacemaker/defibrillator installed had ECT therapy.

I underwent ECT treatment four years after having a heart attack and triple bypass surgery but that has been sixteen years ago and, since then, I've had a number of stent implants as well as the installation of the pacemaker/defibrillator.

I know that my psychiatrist wouldn't even consider it an option with the approval of my cardiologist but I'm hoping someone could give me some info before I see my doctor again.

Thanks.

here in NY a person is not allowed to get ECT if they are pregnant, or have a pace maker/defibulator. this is because ECT is Electro Convulsive Therapy. (Applying a electric shock through a persons brain and body)

the electric current would cause a miscarriage (termination of the pregnancy)
the electric current makes the heart rate increase.and can short circuit/explode the pacemaker/defibulator.

its no wonder your psychiatrist said no to this treatment option for you. my suggestion is follow your psychiatrist and maybe give your medical doctor and psychiatrist permission to discuss the situation together. maybe theres a safe way to work this problem out.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by ciderguy

Has anyone here with a history of heart disease AND with a pacemaker/defibrillator installed had ECT therapy.

I underwent ECT treatment four years after having a heart attack and triple bypass surgery but that has been sixteen years ago and, since then, I've had a number of stent implants as well as the installation of the pacemaker/defibrillator.

I know that my psychiatrist wouldn't even consider it an option with the approval of my cardiologist but I'm hoping someone could give me some info before I see my doctor again.

Thanks.

this link explains the use of ECT with pacemakers.

file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/FL-ECT-102009.pdf

[(JD)]

It's basically safe...but really up to the anesthetist....and good ECG monitoring. I'm sure there are some precautions they take...I know just when using the AED (automatic electric defibrillator) we are taught to use the opposite side for the electrodes etc. from the pacemaker.

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by amandalouise

this link explains the use of ECT with pacemakers.

file:///C:/Users/user/Downloads/FL-ECT-102009.pdf

sorry this link is not working anymore it was supposed to go to a medical website but apparently the physician has changed their downloads. the site was st. jude medical.

now if you type in the words ECT with pacemaker it will give you a pdf download result. where you can download the information onto your own computers, rather than the link taking you to a physicians computer network.

[FooZe]

This seems to link to the same document that amandalouise had in mind:

http://www.sjm.com/~/media/pro/resou...009.ashx?la=en

The document is in .pdf format so you'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.

Originally Posted by (JD)

It's basically safe...but really up to the anesthetist....and good ECG monitoring. I'm sure there are some precautions they take...I know just when using the AED (automatic electric defibrillator) we are taught to use the opposite side for the electrodes etc. from the pacemaker.

Argh! I haven't been getting any notifications of responses!

With every surgery that I've had since having the device installed, including leg amputations, there has been a company rep that has come just prior to surgery and turned the device off.

I'll be meeting with my cardiologist and my psychiatrist on July 29 to discuss the possibility and risk of ECT. I am not responding well to meds. Sixteen years ago I responded extraordinarily well to ECT – three sessions a week for sixteen weeks (with a short follow up eight months or so later).

I had a couple of weeks when it seemed as if things were improving but the last week has been hell. For those who can relate, I'm add the very edge of the hole and the slightest breeze could tip me in. Nauseous, anxiety ridden, worthless and so, so, so overwhelmingly sad. I almost called my doc last night to see if he would admit me, the very thing that I am trying to avoid. I know that I can call, email or fax but I'm just not certain that I can make it until the 29th.

Thanks to ALL who have replied. I have to find the settings so that I can get an email with a reply.

Called my cardiologist to let him know what the meeting on the 29th concerned. He said, with the magnet in place, no problem, and that he will dictate a letter to be sent to my psychiatrist, with all necessary records, pre-approving the sessions. I am not, yet, to that point yet, but since Nardil and ECT seemed to both be 'un-doable' I was filled with hopelessness. Now, thanks to you guys, I have hope.

Thank you so very, very much.