First ECT treatment

[nicetry]

Hi everyone. Recently returned from the hospital after my first ECT treatment. It went ok (I mean, I don’t really remember a lot but ...). The anesthesiologist, at my request, gave me extra pain med & something so my stomach wouldn’t be upset (which it ALWAYS is after anesthesia). I remember being wheeled into the treatment room & the nurse anesthetist telling me she was starting the IV. But the next thing I remember was waking up in my room.

I don’t feel like I’ve had memory loss — I remember getting up this morning, my husband driving me to the hospital, etc. My doctor is starting with unilateral [R side of the head only], and if that isn’t working after 6 treatments or so he’ll switch to bilateral (both sides of head). He said bilateral is more associated with memory loss.

I have a headache and my throat is sore for some reason. The nurse warned me that I may not feel muscle soreness, if I do, until tomorrow. I’m still quite depressed — not surprisingly — but at least #1 is in the books.

[BonnieSue]

Hi nicetry,

Congrats on beginning your ECT therapy! I hope it's very effective for you. 🌹🕊🔆💐👍💜

[NWGal]

Ok! You made it! Your throat hurts from the ventilator they used during general anesthesia. Your throat should get better soon. Your next treatment should feel a lot better since you now know what to expect my friend.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

I’m glad you sound so positive. You’re in my prayers. We want good results.

Doaty💛

[nicetry]

Thanks everyone. I’m still withholding judgment — understandably I guess — on whether ECT will ultimately work.

[Mrspjsmom]

Sounds like you got through it quite well. The first treatment was the worst for me because I didn't know what to expect. Could the headache be from dehydration? I have to sleep with water next to me and drink some every time I wake up. Most mornings I still wake up with a headache that gets better after a few glasses of water. I hope this helps you. Made a huge difference for me. HUGS and BLESSINGS!

[nicetry in reply to Mrspjsmom]

Thank you ❤️ My autoimmune disease causes dryness so I am CONSTANTLY drinking water. Although today, (day after first ECT) the headache is much worse. And my throat is very, very sore.

[Mrspjsmom in reply to nicetry]

Take care today. There's nothing wrong with resting if you have to.