My Pdoc finally took me off the Lithium as it was making me severely physically ill. He increased my effexor dose to 375, I'm coming off the Epival too. The meds aren't working. He is debating putting me either on some other drug or trying this ECT treatment. Can anyone tell me about the ECT treatment and their experiences and if it actually works for most people? I've looked it up and read quite a bit on it and it says it can help for those who the meds don't work for them, but there are so many pros and cons... and the Pdoc says I would have to be admitted to the hospital for 2 weeks. I have two kids, and my husband just (finally made up his mind this week) that he was leaving us. He couldn't take the fact that I have an illness, he sees me as broken, as a victim. Anyway, so I'm wondering, what is the norm for this treatment? How long does one usually have to be admitted? Thanks so much for your advice and help... this is the best place I know I can always turn to for answers and advice.
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I'll let someone else answer the ECT question. My pdoc considered years ago but we tried another drug instead.
I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I'm sure having children and a mental illness makes it even more of a challenge.AJ
Humans punish themselves endlessly
for not being what they believe they should be.
-Don Miguel Ruiz- -
Hello jgcr. Sorry to hear that your husband has taken such a stance. It must be very hard on you. I haven't had ECT's but I've talked to a lot of people that have. If I couldn't find a medication that worked, I wouldn't hesitate to take ECT's based on what people have told me.
It certainly doesn't work for anyone and there can be some downsides, but in my mind, not nearly the downsides that the illness produced in me when I was suffering the most.
But that is me and everyone has to make there own choice. Below is a link to a description of the treatment provided by the Mayo Clinic. They do a pretty good job of describing the procedure and possible side effects.
If you google the name Carrie Fisher, who is best known for her role in star roles and for the many books she has written, you will see that she is an advocate for ECT's as they have helped her through her many relapses. I'm not saying whether she is right or wrong, but it is a first person account from a person who has nothing to gain from promoting ECT's. Although she did write a book about hr experiences with ECT's she was taking long before she even thought about the book.
As a side note, most people that I have known that took ECT's a couple of times a week and they were only in the hospital for 3-4 hrs each time(at most) and had about 6-12 sessions. Your doctor may have good reasons for keeping you there for two weeks ,but you can discuss it with him. (I know some people that prefer the 2 week route too). Good Luck and Take Care. paul m
"Alone we can do so little;
Together we can do so much"
Helen KellerComment
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I had ECT treatments a few years ago when I was going a very deep depression and meds no longer worked.pros and cons. Helped get me out of depression but had huge migraines and lost memories... good and bad.BibianeComment
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