[TheOriginalMe]

Basically, I'm pretty much out of options for meds, what's out there has either pooped or causes side effects that are worse than the depression. If I could actually get an appointment with a pdoc (that's another story) I would at least like to discuss the possibility of maintenance ECT as an alternative to meds.

I had ECT about 25 years ago, it worked, the memory loss was a bit puzzling but I kept a diary and by reading and re-reading that I found that I was able to fill in most of the gaps.

Anyway, I'd very much like to hear from anyone (especially if you're in the UK) who has had or is having maintenance ECT.

N.B. I know there are a lot of folk out there who have had negative experiences of ECT, please respect my feelings by not posting in this thread, thank you.

[justbeingme80]

I had it once a month. At first I was going 3x/week and then I weaned down. I find it helpful though I do have some memory issues relating to the days around ECT. I'm out of options with medications, though I'm still on a few. I did quit because I had memory issues and a lot of anxiety about going. I would still be doing it if I could get over my anxiety. I know that if I ever get very depressed again, I would do it.

I've been through ECT treatments twice, but I've never done maintenance treatments. I have no idea how I'd ever fit it into my schedule. I was wondering if, since your ECT was 25 years ago, they would want you to go through a full round of treatment before beginning maintenance. Not sure whether my pdoc would do it that way or just a few treatments to get me going again.

[TheOriginalMe]

Originally Posted by 1914sierra

I've been through ECT treatments twice, but I've never done maintenance treatments. I have no idea how I'd ever fit it into my schedule. I was wondering if, since your ECT was 25 years ago, they would want you to go through a full round of treatment before beginning maintenance. Not sure whether my pdoc would do it that way or just a few treatments to get me going again.

Yes, I'd have to do a full course first and my big reservation would be fitting it around work, plus following a general anaesthetic it would be illegal to drive for 3 days, so in reality I'd be giving up my driver's licence. My doc asked me to consider it because I'm intolerant of most meds one way or another.