Posted by Jumpy on November 12, 2002, at 19:10:49
In reply to Re: Starting ECT -- any advice?, posted by nicole1011 on November 12, 2002, at 15:04:17
> are you sure you want to use ECT before the meds have a chance to kick in? it took about 6 weeks for paxil to start working for me, how about you wait a few more weeks? In my opinion ECT is a drastic measure and should be used as a last resort only.
I agree, last resort. But if you can't wait for the paxil to kick in, ECT is the fastest method of getting one out of depression or mania. Otherwise, ECT is really just a temporary fix for a few months.
>My mother had it done to her 7 or so times over the course of her life and she lost lots of memories, not to mention that she was a virtual zombie for awhile afterwards. However, it is your choice to make, i just think you need to think about it and do lots of research first
Sorry to hear your mother has gone through so much. Forunately, it is now known that unilateral ECT is as effective as bilateral ECT without the memory loss/cognitive dysfunction. Also the anesthesia used today causes much less confusion after treatment.
So "Cab" you don't have to worry about those terrible side effects today. In a survey, most ECT patient stated that getting a treatment was less scary/painful than going to the dentist. But maybe they all have had lots of root canals and extraction though .. lol.
>
> with kindness.... :)Jumpy
poster:Jumpy
thread:127369
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021108/msgs/127427.html