[pacots]

Hi, everyone I was wondering if anyone ever had ECT treatments done & any sucess with them. I am going into the hospital next week to have my first one done, & I am scared of the unknown.

Hello pacots,

I have had ECT done before, during my worst depressive episode. It was the only thing that worked, and it actually made me feel normal! I'd have it done a few times a week, then once a week, unilateral. I must say, the ECT made me feel better than any medication ever has, including the combo I'm on now.

However, the side effect of long and short-term memory loss were frustrating. I did significantly worse in school, having trouble memorizing facts for tests. It took over a year, I'd say, for my cognitive function to get back to normal. However, the fact that ECT saved my life made it worth it. That being said, I'd only do it again as an absolute last resort...simply because of the side effects AND that the procedure scared the crap out of me. (Don't let that frighten you though - I'm just a naturally anxious person!)

The procedure is a safe one, but as I said, it can be scary. Just try to take deep breaths beforehand, and remain as calm as possible. Before you know it, it's over! Some people get headaches, but I never did.

Also, this happened to me and a couple of people I know: Sometimes I'd wake up from the procedure crying...not sure why, but it's actually not uncommon. I'd also be unaware that I'd just had ECT done. So I'd be like "When is it my turn?" And the nurse would say "It's already over!" I'd be so happy to hear that.

Anyway, I'm rambling. Please tell us how your first session goes.

I have had ECT on two separate occasions--9 treatments the first time and 8 the second time a few years later. It pulled me out of severe suicidal depression both times. I was fortunate to not have any significant memory loss; just be aware that is a common side effect.

[nicoleb2]

Some people have amazing results, some don't. Expect the best, but prepare yourself in case it doesn't help as well as expected. I unfortunately ended up with memory loss that has not gone away, but for some people, it does seem to get better

I think it depends on the severity of your illness and the specific "wiring" of your body/mind. My mother had 50 ECT treatments and suffered memory loss for sure-not frightening but noticeable. In the end, she had to revert to a pharmacological solution for her clinical depression; the ECT may have "shorted" her depression for a spell but it returned with a vengeance.