tomorrow: my first ECT treatment

[Not Heidi]

(ECT: electro-convulsive therapy)

My current dance with extreme depression started in November, when our lease wasn't renewed and we had two months to get out - and to come up with apx $10k moving expenses. Thanks to my sister's pleading (and appealing to the landlord's common sense), we got a year's extension. But the depression brought on by that instant stress and anxiety has lingered - in fact it's grown worse. Far worse. I haven't been this depressed since my first mental health crisis put me in the hospital almost 37 years ago.

I had been begging my psychiatrist, in every appointment since November, to change my meds to something stronger. She put me off month after month, seeming to me to be overly cautious. But at my last appointment she reminded me that we've discussed ECT, which has a good track record with depression that's resistant to other treatments.

Tomorrow is my first treatment, and I'm very nervous. Almost scared.

If you've had ECT, please tell me from your experience what I can expect. Thank you.

[femmedem]

1. I haven't but it saved my friend's life.

He had become catatonic. For a year, he just wasn't there. Now he's back. Working. Joking. Being creative. I never thought he'd really be part of the world again, but he is, with no side effects.

[XanaDUer2]

3. That's wonderful nt

[Not Heidi]

5. That's great to hear. Thank you - and

I'm very happy for your friend.

[XanaDUer2]

2. In so sorry

Ironically, our lease not being renewed is a major source of my stress. Every year I worry.

Good luck. Of course you're scared.

I'll be thinking of you.

[Not Heidi]

8. Ever since I left the ranks of homeowners,

I have felt nervous about losing our lease. It finally bit.

Thank you, XanaDUer2.

[Dale in Laurel MD]

4. I haven't had it.

I have witnessed it, while I was working in a psychiatric hospital a number of years ago, where it was used occasionally for cases that didn't respond to medication.

From what I've seen, you can expect to sleep through it, and to wake up with no particular ill effects. In that respect, like my experience of colonoscopies.

[Not Heidi]

9. Yeah, it's under anesthesia,

but what makes me most nervous is the specter of memory loss.

[Ilsa]

27. I hope it all come back for you.

Sometimes I wish I could backup my "hard drive."

[cate94]

6. My brother has had this treatment

He needed more than one treatment, but ultimately it did work. I wish you luck.

[Not Heidi]

10. I'm not sure why, but I expect several treatments.

Thank you for your good wishes.

[NoRethugFriends]

7. worked well for my dad. He had anxiety and dementia along with thee depression, and..

the ECT was the only thing that made him comfortable in his own skin.

[Not Heidi]

11. That's good to hear.

I'm glad for your dad.

[niyad]

12. Sending hugs and vibes for best possible outcome. Your DU family is here.

[Not Heidi]

17. Thank you, niyad

I do rely on my DU family.

[applegrove]

13. Worked for my mom's friend's husband. He doing excellent.

[Not Heidi]

18. That's great! n/t

[debm55]

14. Not Heidi, my grandmother had it twice. It was back in the 60's. I remember her coming home and not

remember our names, how to cook, etc. After a week or so she started to get her memory back. I feel for you and I hope all goes well. Things have changed since then. I will keep you in my prayers, sweet lady. Love, Debbie

[Not Heidi]

19. Thank you, Debbie

:hugs: back atcha

[OldBaldy1701E]

15. Good Luck. I hope it helps you. (n/t)

[Not Heidi]

20. Thanks so much! n/t

[XanaDUer2]

16. How are you? Nt

[Not Heidi]

21. Ok.

I've had a headache all day, but I expected that. I forgot almost everything about the morning, but most of it has come back.

Thanks for asking!

[BlackSkimmer]

22. Let us know how you're doing.

Hope it all went well.

[Not Heidi]

23. I'm ok.

Head still hurts; neck, too, now. My second treatment is tomorrow morning. 🤞

Thanks for asking.

[TexasBushwhacker]

24. I begged for it last time I was in the hospital

I'm so tired of just treading water.

[Not Heidi]

25. So am I, TB.

I feel for you.

[TexasBushwhacker]

26. Yeah, my heart function wasn't where they wanted it to be

Granted, I had hardly eaten or drank much for a few weeks, so I'm sure my labs were a mess and my EKG had one little blip on it they didn't like. That was 4 years ago and I'm still on a pharmacopeia of drugs that keep me functional enough to work, but not much else.

Good luck to you!