[bluemonday]

I'm at a point where ECT is a viable option and I'm ready, willing and ... well, unable to give it a go.

Unable because the people who run the show won't let me drive myself home afterwards. I understand the reasoning behind it, but it rules me out as a candidate. There's no one in my city that I could ask for a ride there and back, 3 times a week for however many months I need to go. After calling around for prices from taxi's, medical transport, etc I did the math and it would come to approx. $360/month. I've been on disability since 2007 and my income is below the poverty level.

I believe that ECT is my last chance to maybe get out of this lifelong lingering depression. I'm 60 and have tried an estimated 40 different meds, beginning at age 26.

Any ideas? Please suggest anything, no matter how stupid, silly or redundant you think it might be.

Thanks!

__________________________
Life is the art of drawing without an eraser. -John W. Gardner

Can your disability help you cover medical transportation costs? Mine covers expenses like that.

Also, have you considered public transportation, like a bus?

Are you with a church? In that case maybe the church can help, either through funding or maybe one of your fellow churchgoers can drive you.

[gayleggg]

You might check and see if the Department of aging and disabilities has a commuter van available.

[Hairball]

I know the office on aging should be able to help, there are alot of people who are not able to drive.
I also wanted to suggest calling a volunteer center, or united way agencies they can be very helpful in finding someone to do this for you.

If you are a member of a church, you might see if they could help with rides. Or if not a member, you might still contact a nearby congregation to see if they could help you out. Churches are often rather amazing at organizing transportation, meal assistance, etc. but you have to be willing to let them know you have a need.

There might also be other non-profit organizations in your area that can either help with financial assistance or transportation assistance. I know we have transportation for the elderly and those needed transport just to doctors, etc. that is fairly low cost, and I think they even can work on a sliding scale if needed.

[Jolisse]

Can you do inpatient ECT?

Hey, how are you? Have you found a solution yet?