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Fibro, Depression and ECT

deleted_user
deleted_user
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controversial medical treatment involving the induction of a seizure in a patient by passing electricity through the brain. Patients with any of several conditions often show dramatic short-term improvement after the procedure.

I've tried alot of antidepressent and herbal remidies for depression over the last 9 years. I don't think these work for me because the reason for my depression is quality of life issues.

The doctor I've seen on and off over the last 3 years for depression has basicly given up. The last thing he recommended was ECT.

My heart doctor said although it might help, he would not recommend it because of my heart problems.

Has anyone tried this? If so did it help with the depression? What effect did it have on your fibro did it make it worse or better? What have been the short term and long term effects on your life over all?

Thank You for any and all replies
PeaceN2You
PeaceN2You
Mary, I am under the impression that this "therapy" is only used for very severe cases of clinical depression. If your depression is "situational" as in you are depressed because of the circumstances of your life, rather than simply depressed when there is no reason to be, I'm not sure how much it will help.

I do have to say that I would not choose it myself because the thought of it scares the pee right out of me. :)

I hope others can be of more help - it just freaks me out to even think about it!
deleted_user
deleted_user
The only thing that kept me going from 1999 to 2005 was that I was responsible for taking care of my mom. The only reason I've kept going from 2005 to now is that my brother wants me to keep trying. I'm still looking for other options. This would be my last option so I'm researching it and would like other peoples input.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank You for your reply Sue.

If anyone who hasn't tried this but knows someone who did I would love to here your reply too. Did it help the other person.
JillyT
JillyT
This therapy is a therapy of last resort. It is controversial and dangerous. I cannot speak to the efficacy of this as a treatment for you without knowing your history and what other meds or therapies you've tried. but this is not a treatment that should be regarded lightly.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Short History, I wanted to end my life for a long time. My mom died March of 2005. I felt I had the freedom to make the decision to do what I wanted to do. In May of 2005 I tried to end my life. I didn't get it right. The only reason I'm still here is my brother wants me to keep going and I'm afraid that if I try again and don't get it right I'll be worse of than I am now. I've tried all kinds of antdepressents and herbal remidies and they just don't work.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have recently worked as an RN in an in-patient psychiatric hospital that does ECT. I was priveledged to also work in ECT. I would greet the patients (both in-patient and out), start their IV and talk to them about ECT. Then, one by one I would take them into the surgical suite for their ECT. It would be the anesthesiologist, the doctor and myself. Then after the ECT I would take the patient to the Post-ECT suite where they would be monitored by another RN. Then I would go get the next patient. It was facinating and a great learning experience for me.
For you; if your psychiatrist is reccommending this treatment than I can only assume that other treatment modaltities have been considered or tried without the results you are looking for.
This could turn into a long discussion, so if you would like more info I would be happy to provide you with what I know. Just pm me. Laura
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