Posted by gibbons482 on September 27, 2009, at 10:12:04
In reply to First time ECT, posted by Monica L on September 26, 2009, at 18:59:15
I've had 12 unilateral ECT treatments that literally saved my life. I was in a suicida depression I could not get out of. The memory loss for me was not that bad, just during the time period I had treatment, and some memories are fuzzy others forgotten. What can you expect and how to prepare for it? You'll have not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, and some medicaitons that inhibit seizures such as Depakote, etc have to be stopped or reduced. You'll go in possibly a few times a week, how often is up to your doctor, and you'll be given a muscle relaxtant mixed with something to knock you out. They'll put a bite guard in your mouth to protect your teeth. You'll wake up a short time later. Sometimes you might have some jaw soreness or a headache. I experienced a slight headache after the first few ECT's, but nothing a couple of Tylenol couldn't knock out.
I know there are people on here who have bad experiences. But unliateral is supposed to cause less memory loss if it matters to you. I've had a very positive experience and 4 months later I'm depression free still. I'm on antidepressants also. I would defintely do it again if it came down to it. Are you just going for one series or is your doctor planning on maintance ECT?
> So after going over everything with the Dr., he suggested ECT. I had been considering it but was so set on trying MAOIs that it took me by surprise when he mentioned ECT. I'm willing to go through with it, I've been reading some books about it and the benefits seem to outweigh the risks. The Dr. did say I would have some short term memory loss, which I don't mind. I would like to know of any experiences with ECT anyone has had. Good and bad, what should I expect when I wake up? How should I prepare myself?
>
> Thanks so much!!!
poster:gibbons482
thread:918623
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090921/msgs/918711.html