Is it working?

[nicetry]

Hi. Had another ECT treatment this morning. Asked the doctor if I’m “supposed “ to be feeling better, or like my meds are working better. She said the idea is not to replace meds but to help them be more effective. She is putting me on maintenance ECT so I won’t go back for two weeks but I’m supposed to call if I feel worse. When I fill out that questionnaire— you know, about how much you sleep, how much you blame yourself for stuff — I AM getting better. Objectively. I just don’t feel “happier” or more stable, mentally.

[Hidden]

It can take time for ECT to work. Sometimes it can affect memory for a time, however eventually you will begin to feel better given time

BOB

[nicetry in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Bob. It’s definitely affected my memory, so I’ll give it time.

[Optimistic_22]

What is ECT treatment?

[Hidden in reply to Optimistic_22]

Electric Shock treatment

Several electrodes send electricity into the brain to shock it and cure mental health concerns. Courses are the in the region seven treatments. This can shock the brain and it sometimes affects the memory. The sufferer is normally sedated or in some ways put to sleep for the duration of the shocks. The purpose of the treatment is to cause the patient to have a fit, instigated with the electricity

BOB

[Optimistic_22 in reply to Hidden]

Ok so basically trying to reset the brain. Huh I think I heard of a while back. Has anyone tried and how did they feel changed?

[Hidden in reply to Optimistic_22]

I knew someone in the distant past who went through several courses of treatment. She had lovely, long blond hair and they cut it all of it was a real mess, She would forget a great deal and her voice became strained for a period of time. That and memory problems were marked. Personally I have not had any of these treatments and I would not wish to suffer its affects.

BOB

[Optimistic_22 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the input

[nicetry]

I was under general anesthesia for mine. They didn’t do anything to my hair but I am having some memory issues.

[Kaytee1981]

Are you in the uk nicetry? I'm struggling and ECT was mentioned on my last admission- I've tried TMS to no effect. I wish they would give it a go - I want something to work I feel such a strain on everyone professionals and family

[nicetry in reply to Kaytee1981]

No I’m in the US. I tried TMS before, and that did nothing.

[Kaytee1981 in reply to nicetry]

Have you tried ketamine infusions?

[nicetry in reply to Kaytee1981]

Yes, they are giving me ketamine prior to anesthesia before every ECT treatment.

[Kaytee1981 in reply to nicetry]

And still nothing? I'm having a hard time and awaiting a meds review, wondering about ECT but not promising if you've tried the same as myself to no effect

[nicetry in reply to Kaytee1981]

Well nothing major has changed. Yet. It’s so hard to tell.