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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by MattSanz on November 27, 2008, at 0:55:36
Hi,
I'm going to be starting ECT treatments most likely next week and I was wondering, from those who have had it done, how many treatments did it take for you to feel any improvement? My doctor said after the 4th session I should start to feel better, but I was just wondering what people's own experiences were who have had it done. Thanks!-Matt
Posted by dapper on November 27, 2008, at 3:47:39
In reply to Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by MattSanz on November 27, 2008, at 0:55:36
How come ECT? Have your other drug possibilities been exhausted? ECT still seems like maybe it should be tried after other options are exhausted. Have you looked into TMS at all?
Posted by bleauberry on November 28, 2008, at 9:57:21
In reply to Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by MattSanz on November 27, 2008, at 0:55:36
I did not feel better until treatment #12. It lasted 2 days and then I was in an ambulance trying to commit suicide.
I do not suggest ECT. Sure there are good experiences, but the hype about its effectiveness is dramatically inaccurate. Not to mention a very high relapse rate. Side effects. Well, how about this. I have lived in a very small town with one main street for over a decade. After treatment #12, I had to print out a map on mapquest to know which side street to turn on to get to my house. I did not recognize anything. People I have known for years, I cannot remember their names. Three months of memory are totally gone, even two years later, and cognitive function is about 70% of what was prior to ECT. Maybe not bad trade-offs for a complete cure. But, well, it wasn't even close.
The final bill was over $20,000. Even with good insurance, the copay will be a lot of whatever cash you can get your hands on.
My feeling is that there are always other meds, more creative meds, or combinations, that have not be considered. I see ECT as an escape for doctors not admitting that they have been non-creative with the meds at their disposal, or that they have continuously gambled on the wrong ones.
I have seen a couple people here that claimed to do well on ECT. I have seen success stories elsewhere also. Negative stories seem to abound though. Mine is one of them. Personally, I would not wish ECT upon anyone. There are things you haven't tried. Either things from the classes of meds that fit your supposed diagnosis, or other psychoactive meds not necessarily thought of for your diagnosis. I mean, simple things like Provigil+SSRI, Ritalin+SSRI, Prozac+Zyprexa, Parnate, Nardil, Lexapro+Abilify, any combo of antidepressant+antipsychotic+stimulant. When someone says "I've tried everything, there is nothing left", when asked for a list of what they have tried it becomes obvious they have missed out on many of the successful monotherapies or combinations.
Anyway, your life, your choice. You asked for advice on ECT from someone who has had it, so now you have it. I hope you get some more encouraging ones though.
I fully understand and appreciate where you are right now.
> Hi,
> I'm going to be starting ECT treatments most likely next week and I was wondering, from those who have had it done, how many treatments did it take for you to feel any improvement? My doctor said after the 4th session I should start to feel better, but I was just wondering what people's own experiences were who have had it done. Thanks!
>
> -Matt
Posted by Jeroen on November 28, 2008, at 14:13:21
In reply to Re: Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by bleauberry on November 28, 2008, at 9:57:21
know 2 people doing bad on it
the first one memory loss,
second one same + total misery
all were woman
Posted by Zyprexa on November 29, 2008, at 2:54:14
In reply to Re: Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by Jeroen on November 28, 2008, at 14:13:21
ECT fried my brain! 11 years later and still stuff I don't remember. When I first got out of ECT treatments, I couldn't think of anything. Memory was none existent. After one of the last treatments I woke up wondering if I had just been born, till I looked at my long legs, I didn't know what anything was, thought I was in an alien world next. People would tell me I was thought blocking, but I just couldn't remember anything, at all! I don't know how many ECT's they gave me, but it was a lot.
So ya, wish I never had them. And strongly don't suggest them. I do much better on meds now that I am actually taking them. I suggest Zyprexa if you have not tried it.
Posted by desolationrower on November 30, 2008, at 1:48:06
In reply to Re: Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by Zyprexa on November 29, 2008, at 2:54:14
I'm sure people will mention bad experiences, i hope that doesn't scare you. The technique has improved in the last years, so the downsides may not be as much as for those who had it in the past. It can really be a life saver for some people. Best of luck.
-d/r
Posted by Merge on November 30, 2008, at 13:33:00
In reply to Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by MattSanz on November 27, 2008, at 0:55:36
I had 11 or 12 treatments and unfortunately there was no improvement in my depression. The treatment itself was not that bad - I did have some memory loss during that time, I got headaches from the treatment and they made me very tired.
I did a lot of research about ECT and my doctor and I both felt that it was the best course of treatment at the time - I don't regret trying it but of course, I wish it had helped. I never would have tried it if I didn't believe that ECT does indeed help some people.
Good luck to you.
Merge
Posted by ricker on November 30, 2008, at 13:40:20
In reply to Need ECT advice from someone who had it., posted by MattSanz on November 27, 2008, at 0:55:36
I'm not going to waste my time arguing the pros vs previous poster cons. I had a positive response, and thats all that matters, for me.
I could fill this site with negative remarks towards many medications, but that would be "my" experience only. Those with negative ECT reactions can indicate the same response with various drugs, but one should not rule out any treatment option based on internet hear-say.
Best, Rick
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