Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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HannaHana 10/30/2011

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how I was supposed to start my ECT on Weds, 10/19. Of course, that's what the docs told me when they released me from the hospital, but they decided to make me jump through a bunch of hoops to get the ECT instead.

So, for certain, I start my ECT tomorrow morning.

I appreciate all the info (good and bad) that you all have provided me.

I'm just curious now...before I start. They say I'll be confused for about an hour following my treatment. What does that mean? How confused will I be? Does it even matter if I prepare myself for being confused?

I imagine the confusion consists of wondering what happened and where I am....why I'm in a hospital recovery room. But I don't know. Anyone with any experience?

Thanks.

~Hanna

deleted_user 10/30/2011

Confusion? That would terrify me! I don't know what to say, just that there is no way in hell I will ever have ECT

HannaHana 10/30/2011

Well, Rachyl....I hope you never come to a point where you have to have it.

dancingd 10/30/2011

Hanna , I think the way you expressed it was pretty close...wondering where you are, wha had happened , that sort of thing.

Make sure you have some to drive you home , and maybe someone to stay with you for a day or so, just till you are back on your feet.

Good luck sweeetie

HannaHana 10/30/2011

Thanks DD. I will have around the clock "care"....I am banned from driving for the next few months.

It's just sad to think that every other day for the next 2-4 weeks I'm going to wake up confused....possibly not knowing where I am, or why I'm there.

deleted_user 10/30/2011

the thought of ECT scares the beejeezis outa' me, but i've never had it.
i really hope it works for you. best of luck hannah
(hugs)

deleted_user 10/30/2011

I was one of six inpatient patients for ect and maybe 2 had that kinda confusion, the rest of us had some degree of memory loss.
The first treatments are the worse then it seems to get better

tats69 10/30/2011

My mother had ECT years ago Hanna if it weren't so late I would ask her for you. But I really think you nailed it....you will prob be a little confused as to what happened, what time it is....little things like that. The staff will help you through it....ECT has come a LONG way from what it used to be, I wish you all the best and will send you good thoughts for tomorrow!

deleted_user 10/31/2011

ECT wiped out my mind for days. The last one, I do remember the events leading up to it, but nothing after for a few days. I got out of that psych ward fast after that. But that was a long time ago. I hope it goes well for you.

deleted_user 10/31/2011

Hanna, I am sorry people seem to be trying to scare you. I cannot offer first hand advice but I know ect has improved a lot over the years. I have told my pdoc that if my meds quit working for me I will agree to ect. I really hope it works for you and let us know how you are doing.

surferchica 10/31/2011

I have been depressed enough to consider ECT, but finally, the right med combo worked. I have heard that for some, ECT really helps them.

I respect your choice and I hope all goes well.

((((((((((hugs)))))))))

HannaHana 10/31/2011

Thank you all for your thoughts. I'll write myself a note to remind me to tell you all how it went.

t-minus 45 minutes and counting.

Ya know? When I was diagnosed...they told me to "hang in there", that there was a med combo for everyone....and to keep hope and faith that it would happen. I have been on nearly every mood stabilizer, every anti-psychotic, every anti-depressant.

I hope that everyone else has a med combo that works. I hope that everyone else can keep hope and faith. And I hope that nobody else has to face the fear that I am now experiencing.

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