Posted by Androog on March 12, 2001, at 16:42:58
In reply to Atypical depression ECT-Experiences needed., posted by Cam W. on March 5, 2000, at 21:31:41
I recently underwent 17 sessions of ECT, my last having taken place over three weeks ago.
Not only am I still depressed, I also don't remember the following:
* My wedding or honeymoon which took place in October 2000
* The names of my nephew, neices and neighbors
* The computer programs I use in my line of work
* Moving out of state and into the house my wife and I currently live in
* Completely re-habbing our kitchen - tearing out all the old tile, re-tiling the floor installing new lighting, sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal, cabinets, etc.
* Any of the movies, books, magazines, etc. I've seen or read in the past year or so
* Most of everything from several YEARS back to the present
My psychiatrist says this is a most unusual response to ECT, and I believe him. But one thing is for sure: I would never undergo another session under any circumstances.I don't say this to try to persuade anyone to abandon the idea of having ECT; I post this simply as a warning you won't hear from the professionals.
I realize my response is atypical, but I can't tell you how difficult it is to live with little recollection of the past.
I can't get a job in my profession until I re-learn the programs I work in. I can't even drive anywhere I used to go without a map from my wife.
And, like I said: I'm still depressed.
So think carefully -- you only have one brain and it stores ALL of your memories.
androog
poster:Androog
thread:25780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010310/msgs/56308.html