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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ECT: On the Table?

LoddyAoddylo
LoddyAoddylo

So bottom line, I had 2 recent hospitalizations, expressly for the purpose of tweaking my medications. When I say I've tried everything, I kid you not, I have. Not doing well, after all that. My caregiver (I live in a group home) got me in to see my pdoc and she recommended electro-convulsive therapy. I wouldn't even be considering it but the thing is, I'm starting to get desperate. My family and friends have always told me how intelligent I am, but I don't seem to be smart enough to find a cure for schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type. Anyway I wrote this just to say, I had pretty much made up my mind to give it a try, but my sister says no. (I'm 57 years old and she's 76). I'm very upset since my phone call with her about this, and probably will have a hard time sleeping tonight. It's kind of funny though, when you consider how old I am and my sister is still trying to run my life, like hers is so freaking great. Pardon me, but like I said, I'm upset. Would anyone care to weigh in? Thanks. (I love being a part of your group.)

Thor2008
Thor2008
I am actively receiving ECT now. Specially right unilateral ECT.

What would you like to know?
LoddyAoddylo
LoddyAoddylo
Wow...OK...I already know it doesn't hurt, that they put you to sleep and it seems like a simple enough procedure. But the funny thing is, I'm worried about my teeth. It sounds crazy, but I worry that my teeth will clench and maybe break from the induced seizure. And, I must say, I know only one other person who gets the treatment and, let's just say, it hasn't seemed to help her, at least that I've seen.
I had another pdoc when i lived in Virginia who recommended ECT. As I understand it, it's a simple procedure that can be done as an outpatient. My current pdoc swears by it.
Thank you for helping me, Thor.
Thor2008
Thor2008
It is outpatient. It takes about four hours start to finish. On your teeth, they put in a mouth guard in case you are not fully paralyzed. One of the shots they give you is to paralyze you completely. Well except for your right ankle which they use a blood pressure cuff on so the paralytic doesn’t get to you right ankle. You are anesthetized about thirty to sixty minutes. You can look back at my history As I made a journal entry for each of my 32 ECTs.

Any other concerns?
LoddyAoddylo
LoddyAoddylo
No other concerns. But you helped me tremendously. Thank you.
Thor2008
Thor2008
You may want to do the first couple from inpatient. I had a problem and was glad my first ECT was inpatient.

Talk with your doc about what type of ECT and also side affects of ECT.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
It's great to see you sweetie... I am so sorry that you've been struggling.... I would discuss it with your pdoc

I know that your sister means well but she's not a psychiatrist... It's helped a lot of people a great deal...... Big hug......xo
MarleneJ
MarleneJ
I was given ECT back in the 1970s, after a postpartum manic break. I never gave permission and I hated it. It took about 20 years to stop feeling dead inside and get my passion for music and nature back.

I consider ECT to be one of the worst things that happened to me. My daughter, who worked in a mental hospital to help put herself through university, said the shocks are not as strong these days??

I know when they autopsy the brains of people who have had ECT. They find little scars all over the brain. Memory loss can be severe., too, on long courses of treatment.

Sorry to be a downer, but someone had to tell the other side of the story about what it did to me.
tootiredtotry
tootiredtotry
My father had ECT about 30 years ago. It has changed greatly since then. His main side affect was the short term memory loss but considering the alternative, I think he made the right choice. I know it's hard to be strong when our family is in disagreement with a choice, but remember, they aren't living with what we are living with. They have no way of understanding it completely. I hope you find peace with your decision, which ever way you go.
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