Posted by Chloe on September 17, 2002, at 20:28:01
In reply to Re:ECT update, posted by wsj on September 16, 2002, at 23:25:33
> chloe,
>
> i'm considering ect for same reason you listed - side effects i can't live with. can you give me some insight on the process and outcome.Well,
My pdoc and I came to the conclusion that medications really had their limitations with me. And for me to have some relief, I was going to have to explore other options. I was referred to an ECT specialist at my pdoc's hospital. We had an extensive interview where he asked about my history, medication experiences, activities of daily living, support systems, etc (all while getting up periodically from our meeting to shock someone, then he would come back and pick up where he left off!...Not the most professional style, but he seems to be a good ECT doc never the less), all in an attempt to see if I would benefit from ECT.
After the interview, he gave me his impressions and passed his opinions on to my pdoc. As you have gathered, he thought I was a good candidate, since I have had good response to medications, I just can't tolerate the side effects over time. I am so glad I went for ECT. It has helped me get some desire to live back...And the memory impairment, which I find very mild, is almost a blessing at times. Because I don't remember specifically, the knitpicky thing that is causing me so much pain. I can let go of things and move on to something else.
There are also two types of ECT. You can have the electrode placed unilaterally, where it only affects one side of the brain. Hence, usually causing less memory impairment. Though I have just switched to bilateral placement after about 9 treatments. And I don't think the memory impairment is worse. I was afraid to try bilateral, thinking I would forget where my toes were. But by keeping a journal, and making reminders for myself, I feel quite comfortable. Oh, and lastly, if you have a course of ECT, you are not supposed to be by yourself. But my pdoc and the edoc both know that I live by myself, and they have given my permission to be alone at night to sleep. Though I can't drive or work which is standard practice during a course of ECT.
I hope this helps...
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:115145
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120192.html