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 11/02/2011

I was the first patient in for ECT this morning. I remember having my IV placed, addressing the muscle pain I've been experiencing, they put a pain med in my IV and I remember starting to fall asleep. I woke up in a big haze....felt like I was dreaming and didn't understand why I was in a hospital with all sorts of monitors on me...but I never questioned my nurse.

My sister reminded me that I had an appointment for my son at the doctor (b/c I honestly forgot even though I just made the appt yesterday). I couldn't think of my kids' morning routines to get out for school. I couldn't remember whether I or my nurse put my shoes and socks on (still don't remember).

I have a headache from hell and I just want to sleep.

I know this isn't an exciting post....just thought I'd let you know what I'm experiencing.

deleted_user 11/02/2011

WOW! No offense but that sounds terrible. Hang in there sweetie, It gets better

dancingd 11/02/2011

You're doing well considering everything.
Hang in there sweetie

tommymott 11/02/2011

The cure is the proof of the treatment. I admire you so much for undergoing this. I wonder if anyone ever writes down their schedule for reference before treatment?

deleted_user 11/02/2011

I hate to say it. But I told you so! Please reconsider the rest of these. If you have kids, and are in charge, this does not sound good. Sorry to be so negative. Just my thing.

deleted_user 11/02/2011

well, i give you props on doing something i probably wouldn't have the guts to do. you're a strong person, and i support you in trying to get to a healthy place.

deleted_user 11/02/2011

I would recommend TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy as an alternative. It's new. Just throwing that out there. All the best in whatever your decision. xo

Voltaire64 11/02/2011

How many sessions will you have?

HannaHana 11/02/2011

I'm scheduled to have 9 sessions as of now. If I need more, they'll give me more. I am not focusing on anything other than getting better. My children, as of now, are being taken care of by my Mother. I appreciate the support of everyone, even if "I told you so" isn't exactly what I would call helpful.

If I weren't in such a bad place to begin with, I wouldn't even consider ECT. When you have unsuccessfully tried nearly every medication there is, what is there left to do? Let's weigh my options.
1. Suffer some short term memory loss
2. Commit Suicide

Believe me, I'd LOVE to go for option #2....but I'm not ignorant enough to think that I'm the only one in my life that matters. So ECT it is, even if some people "told me so".

deleted_user 11/02/2011

At least you are doing it voluntary, mine was forced on me. I should have sued the idiot, but I didn't have the sense to realize what had been done to me many years before, and by then it was too late.

Maybe that is why I am so bitter about it. It just seems like a hard choice to make for anyone. Keep us posted.

surferchica 11/03/2011

You are brave to make a difficult decision and to follow through. I hope your depression lifts soon.

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

Cammiecat 11/03/2011

I am very interested in your experiences. It is a difficult and, as chica has said, brave thing that you do. Your experiences put in writing here could help so many others in their decisions in the future. I hope things go well for you. I'll be thinking of you.

deleted_user 11/03/2011

hannaHana, I admire your strength to make such a difficult decision. I couldn't imagine raising kids and trying to fight off constant depression, my heart goes out to you... am keeping you in my thoughts. Let us know how things progress. We are here for you!

(((hugs)))

Christopher22 11/03/2011

I'm sorry you have to go through this it sounds very unpleasant. But you seem to be doing what you need to to get better. my best wishes

deleted_user 11/03/2011

I would recommend the rTMS and you might want to try a more gentle form of electrical stimulation.

I use an Alpha-Stim. The Biotuner BT-7 works on the same principle and is less than $200 delivered.

You might also want to start using Lovaza which is an 8X strength Omega-3 for your depression.

For some, ECT is the only thing that works. I hope you are getting brief pulse unilateral treatments to start. These are the lesser cognitive impairing treatments and recovery seems to happen a bit quicker from the procedure itself.

tats69 11/03/2011

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts Hanna.......((((big hugs))))

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