Posted by Krissy P on April 9, 2003, at 1:56:13
In reply to Re: Anyone had ECT lately?, posted by jerrympls on April 9, 2003, at 0:15:20
I agree with this right here>>>>
>>>" so some memories are gonna get knocked around"
that's exactly what happened when I did ECT and in fact, the memories that came "up" ECT helped me to deal with them better-they were more vivid-I could work through them and thus it turned out ok. The ST memory loss is what bothers me today-23years after the treatments.
I wish you all the best, God BLess,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> 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.
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> 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:Krissy P
thread:216959
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030407/msgs/217690.html