My sister has been referred to ect - but the waiting time is 2 weeks

[Chaource]

Hi all,Thank you so much for your kind messages with lots of really useful ℹ️!

The Dr has said my sister will be referred for ect - which I think is a great, as I felt like previous doctors weren't taking her (severe) risk seriously as she previously was getting better. But the waiting time is 2 weeks, and I'm worried as she is barely sleeping and has strong suicidal thoughts (although she is in hospital).

Just wondering if you think this waiting time is normal? Any pointers as to what to ask the doctor - e.g. how to make things manageable for her during this waiting time?

An endocrinologist also said she likely needs supplements - so not sure whether to push for this (as then they will likely kick in once/ hopefully when she starts to recover).

I'm not sure if he will consider medication changes in the meantime - is it important to be on the right meds before or are they typically tweaked after the ect treatment? (She is currently on the highest dose of Venlafaxine and they took out the Olanzopene and added another mood stabiliser/anti psychotic).

Ant tips on how to support her after the treatment (maybe I'm getting ahead of myself)!

Thanks all!

[Chaource]

Also just to add, I'm not sure whether to push for a second opinion from Cardiff university now or whether to wait till after the ect treatment? (Her condition is complex and I don't think the doctor understands what medications to give her).

[EquineBeauty in reply to Chaource]

I personally wouldn’t wait. It might take time for Cardiff to get back to you and since you may have to wait around 2 weeks anyway - might as well start the process. Hopefully the ECT can be done sooner. It doesn’t hurt to get another opinion.

As far as an endocrinologist - someone else on here said to get her hormones checked to rule out a physical cause and that sounds like a good idea. Any new treatments you all decide on will always have to go through her overseeing psychiatrist anyway first and foremost. So ultimately they’ll decide what’s best. But right now I would personally gather information and options as much as possible since you’re waiting anyway. Hopefully the new mood stabilizing drugs start to ease her symptoms a bit. She has been unwell for so long it might take awhile.