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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
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#1
I've only recently been diagnosed (bipolar 2, depersonalization/derealization, schizoid features), so my journey into the world of meds is only just starting. To be honest I'm really afraid of all the side effects. I've been reading up on ECT, and to my naive understanding it seems to have fewer nasty side effects. I guess I just like the idea of getting a treatment now and then, and then being "done with it" for a while. I also like that there's no risk of damage to my thyroid, kidneys, no risk of weight gain, etc.
I've been kind of hesitant to bring it up with my psychiatrist because I'm afraid he might think it's overkill to start with ECT before giving meds a serious try. I was wondering about other people's experiences with ECT.
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fern46
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Grand Poohbah
Member Since Apr 2013
Location: USA
Posts: 1,897
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#2
ECT should be a last resort in my book. I had terrible memory loss. I couldn’t remember my kids birthdays. I could drive without a gps because I couldn’t remember how to get places. That includes my parents house and they have lived there my whole life. It caused me trouble at work because if I forgot to write it down I wouldn’t do it. I now do ketamine infusions and it works much better for me.
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Anonymous46341
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Junior Member
Member Since Aug 2013
Location: Canada. New Brunswick
Posts: 16
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#3
I’m treatment resistance, unfortunately, ECTs did not work, that being said it is the best treatment to treat depression. I say, have the talk with your pdoc, it can’t hurt.
Best of luck, Kelly __________________ Cocktail of meds: Abilify Wellbutrin Viibryd Ketamine Foquest Synthroid Ativan Imovane |
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Anonymous46341
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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
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#4
Thanks for the replies so far! It sounds like the memory loss may be a lot more extensive than I thought. I thought it would mostly be short-term memory loss. I'll bring it up with my psychiatrist, but judging from this it sounds like keeping it as a last resort is probably right.
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Anonymous46341
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Mar 2019
Location: USA
Posts: 3,021
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#5
Hey Fluffy Dinosaur. I don't have anything to add in terms of my own experience. I just wanted to let you know you might find some helpful information about ECT in the Bipolar Treatments sub forum. I know there's an ECT experiences thread. You can find the link to the sub forum on the main Bipolar forum page. Also, there is a Search This Forum link near the top of the thread list that will help you find what you're looking for.
The mods will probably move your thread over to the sub forum, so I wanted to give you a heads up. I hope you find the information you receive to be helpful. |
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Anonymous46341
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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
4 31 hugs
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#6
Quote:
Thanks, I'll be sure to check that out! Also, apologies if this is a duplicate question. |
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Anonymous46341, fern46
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fern46
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Grand Magnate
Member Since Mar 2019
Location: USA
Posts: 3,021
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#7
No worries! I just want to make sure you get as many answers as possible. I know several of the people who have tried ECT weighed in before. It isn't like we get a tour guide here to show us all of the tools before we begin I'm happy to assist.
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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
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#8
Quote:
Thank you, I appreciate it! |
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fern46
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fern46
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Legendary
Member Since Oct 2004
Location: usa
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#9
It’s usually a last resort kind of thing. I mean-it’s no easy treatment. You’re under anesthesia and I lost huge chunks of time while doing it. I couldn’t remember anything hardly of the two months and other things too. It’s also expensive and time consuming.
Please, try meds first. __________________ schizoaffective bipolar type PTSD generalized anxiety celexa, prazosin, risperdal and prn klonopin and helpful cogentin |
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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
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#10
Quote:
Ouch, that sounds a lot worse than I thought in terms of memory loss. Thanks for the advice! I guess I'll just have to try the traditional meds first and hope for the best. |
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#11
Fluffy, I don't see this as a duplicate question, even though the subject line is the same as a previous one. You ask some good questions, whose answers had not been previously explored. I'll respond more later, when I have more time. Thanks for such good questions!
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Grand Member
Member Since Nov 2019
Location: In my head, mostly
Posts: 754
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#12
Quote:
Thank you, I'm glad to hear it's not a complete duplicate after all! I look forward to your input! |
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Member
Member Since Aug 2019
Location: Ireland
Posts: 459
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#13
I got it done, once every year/month its shocks your body so when you feel the "need" for suicidal thoughts it than shocks the body and you feel like someone hit you. Its only good if you have a cuppa tea and some biscuits afterwards hope this helps you x
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Legendary Wise Elder
Member Since Jul 2018
Location: CA
Posts: 27,329
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#14
Another thing to consider, is that insurance might not cover it until you've tried a couple of medications. They usually don't like to pay for the expensive stuff first. They want you to try the medications first because it isn't as expensive. Medications work for a lot of people. I have trouble with them but I am treatment resistant. I'm still on medications though.
__________________ Dum Spiro Spero IC XC NIKA |
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New Member
Member Since Nov 2020
Location: USA , Florida
Posts: 6
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#15
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Member
Member Since Oct 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 300
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#16
I have done ECT weekly , for at least the passed 5 yrs. for a total of 175 times or so.... The ECT has helped put a paused in the loop tape of suicidal thoughts/urges. I tolerate the ECT very well and go to work right after I have the treatment.
The ECT has helped me a lot and I am so happy that my Pdoc has allowed me to have it as frequently as I do. I am being weaned off the meds I have been on for the passed 20 yrs, Abilify, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and started on Emsam/selegiline patch. I will stay on the clozapine at bedtime. Hopefully this new combo will work magic:-). Thank you for listening. |
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