Posted by jerrympls on April 9, 2003, at 0:15:20
In reply to Re: Anyone had ECT lately? » JahL, posted by Krissy P on April 8, 2003, at 21:19:11
I've had ECT - however, not recently. But I can hopefully help calm any anxieties going into the procedure. They knock you out- not sure with what - but one of the main meds is the muscle relaxant - a pretty hefty one so you don't hurt anything when the siezure is initiated. I usually get depressed from being knocked out myself - however, this did not happen after my ECT treatments.
You'll find the memory loss varies greatly from person to person - however, I would guess you'll most likely lose the memories surround each procedure. Some people have had more extensive memory loss with some regaining most of it after a couple months. My pdoc explained that ECT "resets your brain chemistry..." so some memories are gonna get knocked around. Again - it varies from person to person. From people I've talked to who have had ECT, it seems that artists/musicians seem to be the most bothered by memory the loss.
The only thing that bothered me after recovering from a treatment was a bad headache - which Tylenol helped fine.
I think I had 6 or 8 bilateral treatments. Unfortunately it took more of my memory than I'd have liked and only gave me a "buzz" for about a month. I've read many people do great with maintenance ECT - say one treatment each month after your initial round of 6-10 starting treatments.
Also, there are varying reports/research supporting bilateral treatments vs. unilateral.
My treatments were approx. 7 years ago and they were far from barbaric or scarey. So take a couple deep breaths and cross your fingers. I sincerely hope ECT helps you!!!!
All the best-
Jerry
poster:jerrympls
thread:216959
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/217664.html