Should I go on?

[nicetry]

Hi. I just finished a second week of ECT treatments & am truly wondering whether it’s worth continuing. The doc said it can feel worse before it feels better — esp bc he added ketamine to the mix — but I don’t know how much more I can take. I cry all day every day when I get home. My husband wants me to see it through another week but I’m losing hope.

[pandaeyes1]

Sorry to hear that. Stay strong. You can do this!! We’re here for you as well!!

[mtnee]

My mother went through ECT. Of course I don't know if ketamine was a part of it, because it was many years ago. All I know is that when she was done, she said something that made me stop and look at her, wondering what was different. Then it dawned on me. She had made a joke and then laughed. My mother hadn't done that in years. You'll have to decide for yourself, but it helped my mother.

[Agora1 in reply to mtnee]

Thanks for sharing a positive note on ECT.

Unfortunately, it gets a bad rap at times.

How many it does help we may never know. xx

[NeuronerdDoaty]

Please remember the electricity is changing chemicals in your brain. Try to notice your other emotions as well. They too may be over the top. It’s quite normal. You aren’t finished yet and your brain hasn’t settled down yet.

The therapy is doing a controlled small ‘seizure’. Historically these cause people to have excess emotion.

Let it roll. It’s normal and you’re making progress. I don’t know your meds but talk about it with your doctor so you can get on with your day.

Remember this. You’re extremely brave. I’m impressed with you and I don’t get impressed easy for what it’s worth.

IMHO I think now that you’re in it don’t quit it. Please keep talking to us.

I think you’re awesome⚔️⭐️

Doaty💛

[nicetry in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thanks so much! My husband and I spoke with the doc this morning and he said basically what you said — that the ECT heightens ALL emotions, good and bad, especially since we are doing bilateral treatments. He thinks I should finish out this week.

[NeuronerdDoaty in reply to nicetry]

Please share how you feel where and when you feel comfortable. It helps.

[Celtic27]

I'm sorry to see your having such problems just now! The only person that matters in this is you if you feel it's not helping say so I don't think they can force it upon you I wish your husband was more supportive! I had a relative you had ect and it had a negative effect on her and they stopped it the short term memory loss was one of the reasons for her stopping it! The doctors will always say it will get better but have they tried it no I would think so! On a personal note I would never have it done or ask someone to have it done in think it's barbaric! I wish you all the best! God bless you and get well soon x🙏

[tiredswedge]

I thoroughly agree with Doaty. Remember that clinical depression is caused by chemicals being off. You can actually see a difference between the brain scans of a "normal" brain and that of someone with severe depression. That means that (1) none of this is your fault, and (2) you need to give the ECT time to reorganize the chemicals. Be persistent, it will make a positive difference. And it sounds like you have a wonderful, supportive husband. That makes all the difference in the struggle. And yes, you are strong for choosing to fight. ECT is not easy, but you're doing it. Keep at it and keep us informed.

[InspireHope]

It is worth continuing. You cant know if it will work unless you see it through. It's good that your doc let you know that it can get worse before it gets better because now you know what to expect. And when you feel like its getting worse, you can tell yourself that it's part of the process and that it will end.

You can make a plan for yourself. Look at the calendar and set a date for when you expect to be feeling better. That way you can have hope that in a relatively short time, you could be starting to feel back to normal. And, make a plan to reach out to your doctor if you arent feeling better by that time. Both ways, you are planning for the future in a positive way. You may find relief in having a plan.

[Hidden]

ECT can cause memory problems, this can get worse over the treatments, however you will clear, hopefully soon. I went out with someone in my teens who had these treatments and it frightened me sometimes as She seemed to loose being her for a time. It eventually broke the relationship, however I was taking my Youth Certificates and was learning how they would treat. I should have given her the benefit of any doubts I had.

Some Patients seemed to ask for a course of ECT I never understood that.

Your Husband is very supportive, if you are in the midst of your treatments finish and see how you go.

Have a wonderful Christmas together and I wish you both a healthy New Year

BOB

[LiveandLetLive42]

I’ve never done it but I would finish it. You might regret it if you don’t. I did TMS and felt the same way halfway through. This kind of stuff can work but you have to do other things too. If one of these treatments did the trick without putting in any other work we’d all be cured you know? Keep it up but do other things for yourself that are therapeutic and positive!

[Coloradowalker]

There will come a time when you look back on this time in your life and will be amazed by how strong and resilient you are. I know it’s hard to be patient but I know good things will come❤️ Thinking of you❤️❤️

[Tikirob]

At least you are trying! That’s great - sorry it’s not working out right away and if it doesn’t you are still working in the right direction with professionals and support of partner. Hope it gets better soon.

[Mrspjsmom]

The decision is yours and you are trying your best. If you have the strength to stick with it a bit longer you have my support. If you've had enough then stop. There is no easy answer or universal cure for depression. But I admire the strength you show by trying this. Give yourself a bit of time to rest then decide. HUGS!

[Tetelatia]

What is ECT TREATMENTS?

[nicetry in reply to Tetelatia]

Electroconvulsive Therapy. You are under general anesthesia & the doc delivers a “shock” to your head, the idea being to rearrange the brain’s neurotransmitters.

Thank you all for your input everyone. I’m still unsure but it helps to know you all are out there, thinking of me & supportive. I’ll keep y’all updated.

[Tetelatia in reply to nicetry]

Oh ok. Well that sounds like something to look into. Sounds like it could work. Let me know what you decide if you don't mind. God Bless You 🙏

[nicetry in reply to Tetelatia]

Thank you. After speaking with the doc I’ve decided to finish out the week of treatments.

[pandaeyes1]

Hope you’re doing okay!

[nicetry in reply to pandaeyes1]

The doctor this morning told me that oftentimes ECT brings out all sorts of emotions that otherwise would’ve been dampened by depression, so he wasn’t surprised that I’ve been crying a lot. He’s recommending two more treatments before we make a final assessment so I’m scheduled for Wednesday and Friday.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to nicetry]

Stay strong! We’re here for you!’

[Tetelatia]

Ok great, please let me know how things turn out. Blessings to you