Posted by Mimi on July 22, 2002, at 21:07:04
In reply to Re: ECT info needed! » Mimi, posted by Chloe on July 22, 2002, at 18:29:25
> Mimi,
> You post is most inspiring...that you haven't had a depressed day since ECT.
>
> I have had agitated depression basically since before puberty. I have had many hospitalizations, and tried every med available it seems. The use of antipsychotics made it so I was pretty functional. But I developed TD in the mid 1990's and it's been really tough going since. No med really seems to help that much right now, or I can't take therapeutic dose without awful side effects. Yes, Li is the elemental abreviation for lithium, sorry. I am waiting for my pdoc to get back to me about a ECT consult. I think he is a head of ECT of a major hospital.
>
> Do you recall if you had bilateral, bifrontal or unilateral ECT? Do you think you could have ever done ECT as an outpatient? Or were you really too confused? I would like to save the cost of a hospitalization if possible. I am a bit worried about having memory problems. But if it's not permanent, I think I could manage it. And if it would stop the pain...I would be so grateful.
>
> Well, I don't know what will come of all of this, but your info has been very helpful. I am so glad you feel better, and have no permanent impairment.
>
> Thanks a million for you post
> ChloeDear Chloe,
Thanks for the post!I had unilateral ECT as it causes less memory impairment. I was told this was the best way to go.
I started ECT as an inpatient, but then I was released, returned several times a week as an outpatient for ECT. A friend had to drive me to and from and other friends had to stay with me through the night as a medical precaution. I don't remember a lot of it.
Medication did not really work for me before ECT. After ECT, a smart doctor put me on lithium to augment Celexa and maybe Nortrytiline(sp). This combo along with Buspar and Seroquel have kept me stable for about nine months. Truly I have not had a depressed day, yet I can still feel the emotion of sadness if I truly have reason to.
Too bad you developed TD. I have had good results with the AP's. However, I could not tolerate any of the AD's--I got all the horrible side effects that are listed as rare in the PDR.
I don't know what would have happened to me if I did not have ECT. I would probably had to stay inpatient for many months until they found the right meds. Of course, who wants to pay for that?
I have a friend whose life was saved by ECT and now she is running for state-level political office. I see no cognitive impairment in her, but she was very high functioning to begin with.
poster:Mimi
thread:113035
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020718/msgs/113351.html