[territiller]

Just wondering. They are asking me to ask about this...to consider it I guess and not think about it as I know it from One Flew Over....

Hello,

Yes, I have had ECT done before...about 10 treatments, unilateral (one side of the brain). It was during my worst depression, when no medication was working and we were out of options. I didn't enjoy it AT ALL (very scary!) but it worked tremendously. I would get it done every Monday, and I'd feel fantastic for the entire week! Besides the fact that it was an unpleasant procedure, it was a miracle for me.

Of course, I suffered the nasty side effect of temporary memory loss, which was frustrating. Slowly but surely, I got my normal cognitive function back. Despite this serious side effect, I'm glad I went through it because it yanked me out of the serious slump. Without ECT, I think I'd be dead by now.

I had to stop because I started to be VERY ill after the ECT...for about 3 days after. Severe nausea and even vomiting. I thought it might be a fever or something, but it happened for 3 weeks straight, and only after ECT. They tried to give me an anti-nausea injection before the procedure, but it didn't help. I was sad that I had to stop...and I have NEVER heard of this happening to anyone else but me. =/ So I don't think it's something you'd have to worry about.

This all happened about a year ago, give or take. Since then I have had many depressive episodes, and many more med attempts. Finally, about 6 months ago, we found a med combo that worked, and I am doing well most of the time. I would definitely recommend ECT for those who are out of options, but would not recommend it for a first line of treatment. Because the side effects can be severe! However, I can personally say that it saved my life.

This is a very tough decision to make. Take your time, do your research, ask questions. I hope you find the best solution for your recovery.

[nicoleb2]

I had ECT, unilateral. Unfortunately, the memory loss for me was permanent. I had horrible headaches from it, that literally kept me in bed most of the week. It's not something I would ever do again, no matter how bad the depression was.
I have heard that it works great for some people, but I was not one of them.

[pachyderm]

There is more discussion on the topic on the Other Treatments forum.

[Brokenwings73]

It was a discussion of possible treatment for me when I was in severe depression but found a powerful ant-depressant instead, but I have several friends who have gone through it. However for them one series of 8-10 treatments wasn't enough. Their depression came back and they had to go through another series. For one thet only had temporary memory loss and the other had permanent menmoy loss. Hierves both swear it was the onle thing to bring them out of their depression and both would absolutely go though it again . Good luck with your decision.

[KUREHA]

I wouldn't they can insert thoughts into your head. I might sound paranoid, but it's true.

[3141592]

I get twice-weekly bilateral ECT, and it is saving my life. Granted, I've had over 60 treatments (!! yes, considered alot !!), and am having some memory issues due to this, but I'm alive, am employed full-time, and nothing else--no other drugs or therapies-- worked for me. I'm still struggling with depression, but am hoping that, as I continue with the treatments, that the depression will continue (as it has so far) to lift, allowing me to become in-control of my own life/health. Best wishes to you as you make a decision for yourself.

[piink]

Doesnt the idea of inducing a seizure kinda sound..well..off.I've had it..helped about 8 months then world came to an end again.memory loss was permanent tho.i'm really messed up Fromm the seizures I've developed recently and the are causing me a world of hurt.it was a last Ditch thing for the docs...funny thing is I was never asked why o WA so depressed.if I WA ever asked.I recently was able to talk a greetings out off having it done,ect.I just can't recommend something I know to be so harmful...a seizure is your brain misfiring..they just hope to get it to rewire correctly.its a crap shoot at best.for those it does work for, they are the 10% it works foot.i'm not a doc and this is just Mt own very biased opinion

[Aardwolf]

I had ECT last year, the actual procedure wasn't too bad, but jezz the headaches i used to get afterwards

My memory went absolutley out the window as well which wasn't too much of a welcome side reaction ! The anesthetic would make me feel groogy for days though

Overall - A pain during the procedure, however afterwards i found i had improved a lot