ECT - My experience

[Juliet]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to come back on the forum and let you know what my experience has been with getting ECT. I know that there were a few people considering the option after talks with their different doctors. Personally I have found ECT to be amazing. It has been nothing but positive for me and I am feeling GREAT!! It took until the ninth treatment to notice a change, and also a change to bilateral ECT, but now that I have, wow, I am very happy with the result. Basically I currently feel 100% better. I don't know if this is going to drop off and I have heard that it can, but I would have no hesitation in undergoing more treatments in the future if so. I am now up to my twelfth treatment. 

There are some side effects that I need to mention. I have noticed some difficulty with my memory. I try to keep in mind that my memory was pretty bad just with the depression but I have noticed sometimes I am trying to find an answer to something that I am sure I would know and I just can't get to the answer. For example I was asked the question where I have travelled in my lifetime and I found it difficult to know for sure that I was giving the whole answer! I was thinking, "I know I've been to the UK and Bali and Singapore but is there anywhere else major I have been?" and even though I was Reasonably sure, I wasn't Entirely sure that there wasn't. I know this probably sounds pretty bad but it was one of the few times with problems with my memory and honestly I don't care at all... it is very much worth some memory and maybe some concentration problems to be feeling better than what I was. 

Anyway I just wanted to come on and share my story. I know it is not a small decision to go ahead with ECT and I don't want to pretend it is. If anyone has any questions please feel free to ask.

xxxxxx TJ

[Rob64]

Hi Neil I’m lying in bed in hospital deciding whether to go from unilateral to bilateral tomorrow. Just read all the posts. I’ve felt a diff up to my last one on Friday where now I’m feeling a bit flat. Friday night after my 8th treatment I had a vivid nightmare which caused an anxiety attack I can still feel the effects of. Memory wise I’m. Its not too bad but a bit worried about going bilateral. Just read all Juliet’s comments from 2014 and her 9th treatment was where she noticed a diff. Also was a bit sick from the anesthetic on the 8th which was a first. I feel like I’ve plateaued in my progress. Any comments would be helpful.

[Quirkybeachbum]

Hi Juliet,

Thanks for your post, it’s great to hear a positive story as I am seriously considering ECT over rTMS following many years of treatment resistance...

The literature I’ve read so far indicates, 70% success rates with ECT, rTMS seems the jury is still out on that one.

It seems, that a lot of people report memory issues with ECT.. On balance I’m not sure my memory would be any worse off, I certainly lack a lot of confidence in my memory.

Anyway, I’m rambling.

It is good of you to post a positive story.

Cheers

quirky..

[Quirkybeachbum]

Hi H20hog,

just wondering how you are shaping up now, from your treatment in May..

Im seriously considering ECT and my Psychiatrist is laying the groundwork..

I truly hope you are well, and that it has been a positive treatment for you.

cheers Quirky,

ps. Are there any driving restrictions after ECT?

[NovaG]

Hi,

Thank you for your share, it's very nice of you to post your personal experience so more people can get help.

I'm very curious about the brain function afterwards, as my doctor mentioned it to me. You have mentioned memory loss, but what about the knowledge you knew? Were they impaired? Maybe you could remember the sequence of English kings and queens before, or recite some sonnets in a heartbeat, you know what I mean. Or skills you had, maybe work-related, like coding, or teaching, or something uses brainpower?

Thank you in advance!

[jellydog]

my hubby is having his 17th bilatreal ect . they are aiming for 30. Has anyone had 30 etc bilateral for severe depression? would love to hear from you

[Lilith16]

It’s been 7 years since your initial treatments. What would you say now?

I’ve tried every avenue, including TMS, I keep thinking about ECT but I’m terrified. I’m 47 now with a 5 and a 2 year old. I want to give them the best version of myself and not always ‘be sick’.