Posted by CareBear04 on October 28, 2007, at 23:46:18
In reply to ECT Shock Therapy Revisted--Please help!, posted by clubfitter on October 27, 2007, at 19:35:24
I had six ECT treatments over the course of two weeks. Both the inpatient attending and the doctor in charge of ECT thought I was a good candidate, even though I didn't feel particularly more depressed than at other times. After only about two treatments, the doctors and nurses were commenting on how much better I seemed-- I guess, objectively, I seemed less depressed, but subjectively, I didn't feel much different. And no, I wasn't able to work at all during this time. I had some cognitive impairment and a lot of memory loss, and from a practical standpoint, I couldn't work if I wanted to because I had to be inpatient. I guess if you have someone to drive you around and take care of you, you might be approved for outpatient ECT, but even then, you feel really tired after the morning treatment, so if you were able to work, you probably could only work afternoons on ECT days. I guess I consider my ECT a success, but I think my recall is influenced by the doctors' perception of its results. Also, the results didn't last that long; shortly after discharge, I relapsed back into depression.
I guess I'm in a similar position as you are-- I'm pretty seriously depressed, have tried all the drugs at some time or another, and need to regain functioning soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and for me to find something that helps soon.
CB
poster:CareBear04
thread:791839
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071027/msgs/792102.html