Posted by Merci on May 23, 2003, at 11:26:41
In reply to Re: thanks for this thread, posted by Eggy on May 22, 2003, at 23:33:17
Eggy, and all,
I just got back from ECT session #6. Reporting on my progress has been therapeutic for me - and I can't tell you how much it means to hear that it might be helping others!
When ECT was first suggested to me, it was suggested in a very irresponsible way and it scared the **** out of me. After living with depression, though, year after year, medication after medication, I decided to take the suggestion and at least do some research on ECT. To put it bluntly, I got to the point during the last year where, I hate to sound cliche, but it was "do or die." In my mind, ECT was always the last resort. So what? I guess the way that I figure it, is, that if it's the last resort to dying, it might be worth doing.
My treatments are not too bad - I arrive at the hospital at 6:30 a.m. and am done before 8:30 a.m. About half of the time I have a headache after treatment, which goes away with tylenol. For some reason the anesthesia makes me very thirsty. The i.v. needle hurts going in (I'm a wimp when it comes to puncture wounds) and the anesthesia stings a little as it goes in (but you fall asleep really soon). I think I start waking up around 8:00, feeling pretty groggy, but I'm ready to leave in about half an hour.
Of course everyone's reaction is different, and my reaction has been different on different days. Today, my mother and I went grocery shopping and then made a quick trip to the mall. Now I'm here typing this. I'll probably make a bunch of phone calls this afternoon - I'm feeling highly functional today.
Certainly, there are probably people who would not be good candidates for ECT. I can only ask that if you've lost all other hope, please give it a thought and a little research. I actually can't believe that I am the one sitting here and typing, sounding so hopeful. I truly thought I would be gone from this world before I felt any hope at all. The grad. school I dropped out of just sent me a list of classes for fall, and I'm actually looking at them, trying to figure out a schedule!
The latest antidepressant that I've been on is Nardil 90 mg. I've been on it for about 6 months and honestly don't think it's been too helpful. My doctor and I haven't discussed what the next pharmacological step will be, after ECT. First things first, I suppose.
I never thought I would hear myself say this, but at this point, I believe that the answer/treatment is out there for everyone. Keep looking. Ask me more questions. Give those kids a big kiss!
poster:Merci
thread:228121
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030520/msgs/228591.html