Elaine R.
@mrser52
@mrser52
Posts: 76
Joined: Dec 18, 2017
Bipolar and ECT Treatments
Elaine R.
@mrser52
@mrser52
Posts: 76
Joined: Dec 18, 2017
That would be really hard to lose some short-term memory and not know if it will be restored, @mrser52. I had a concussion several years back and my brain felt scrambled, and I know I was quite worried that it might be permanent. In this case, my brain went back to normal after a month.
How are you doing today?
My short term memory came back yesterday. I am so glad about it. But for some reason I can't eat without getting so nausea after I eat, so I don't know what to think about that except to stop eating. As long that I don't eat I don't feel sick.
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Lisa Lucier
@lisalucier
@lisalucier
Posts: 4018
Joined: May 11, 2017
My short term memory came back yesterday. I am so glad about it. But for some reason I can't eat without getting so nausea after I eat, so I don't know what to think about that except to stop eating. As long that I don't eat I don't feel sick.
Great news, @mrser52. Guessing you are feeling relieved. Are you attributing the nausea with the ECT treatment, or with something else?
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Lisa Lucier
@lisalucier
@lisalucier
Posts: 4018
Joined: May 11, 2017
I took these ect treatments a few years ago but now I just use a minimal dosage of antidepressants. However if I did not have a job to keep me busy then I easily fall back into depression
I work in home health care with the elderly. Even though I'm 75!
Hi, @georgette12 – did you find the ECT helpful?
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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
@hopeful33250
@hopeful33250
Posts: 9622
Joined: Mar 28, 2016
My short term memory came back yesterday. I am so glad about it. But for some reason I can't eat without getting so nausea after I eat, so I don't know what to think about that except to stop eating. As long that I don't eat I don't feel sick.
Hello @mrser52
Just a thought about your nausea problem: Often nausea can be a side-effect of a new med. Have you been taking any new meds?
georgette12
@georgette12
@georgette12
Posts: 324
Joined: Jan 10, 2017
I found ect somewhat helpful. But everyone does have a different experience. I think everything is worth a try at least once.
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Elaine R.
@mrser52
@mrser52
Posts: 76
Joined: Dec 18, 2017
Hello @mrser52
Just a thought about your nausea problem: Often nausea can be a side-effect of a new med. Have you been taking any new meds?
No I have not. I have had this problem since the ECT treatments.
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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor
@hopeful33250
@hopeful33250
Posts: 9622
Joined: Mar 28, 2016
marjou
@marjou
@marjou
Posts: 66
Joined: Oct 30, 2019
Yes, I am looking into it for myself. My PA wants to talk to me about having this done. I want to find out all of the pros and cons for ECT treatments.
Have tried ECT treatment because of desperation for no meds worked nor hospitalizations. Must be done in hospital setting because of anesthesia and various other monitoring. There is some memory loss and after 12 treatments no change for me.
marjou
@marjou
@marjou
Posts: 66
Joined: Oct 30, 2019
Hi, @renwald – this discussion on transcranial magnetic stimulation may be of interest to you https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tms-therapy-for-long-term-depression
This type of treatment was not financially feasible in the Southwest at $10,000 per session. Any other financially viable options?
I am new to this community. I don't want to post too much information about my experience with ECT, since I believe it is atypical and ECT can be helpful……but, after about 25 or so treatments I experienced a deep delirium. My actual experience with the ECT was traumatic, perhaps because of things in my past….like each time I went was very upsetting. After the delirium and the ECT was stopped my life changed dramatically for the worse because of the after effects both mentally, emotionally, physically and on my ability to just go back to my life — which I am still working at. Employment wise and just quality of life. I am single without much support and EVERYTHING has been a struggle. ECT changed my life in an extremely negative way. But, like I said, I can't speak for all. Perhaps I am a rare case…..otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it. It must be successful for some. I have read it has changed people's lives in the completely opposite direction as it changed mine. It has been maybe 1 1/2 since my last ECT treatment.
Parus
@parus
@parus
Posts: 2447
Joined: Jul 14, 2017
@sadeyes True about ECT's not being for everyone. Have you discussed other treatments with your doctor?? If something was not helping you would know. Are you familiar CBT? I am not bipolar, but do have chronic major depression as well as PTSD. CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) has been helpful for me. A thought.
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor
@gingerw
@gingerw
Posts: 2714
Joined: Jul 26, 2018
I am new to this community. I don't want to post too much information about my experience with ECT, since I believe it is atypical and ECT can be helpful……but, after about 25 or so treatments I experienced a deep delirium. My actual experience with the ECT was traumatic, perhaps because of things in my past….like each time I went was very upsetting. After the delirium and the ECT was stopped my life changed dramatically for the worse because of the after effects both mentally, emotionally, physically and on my ability to just go back to my life — which I am still working at. Employment wise and just quality of life. I am single without much support and EVERYTHING has been a struggle. ECT changed my life in an extremely negative way. But, like I said, I can't speak for all. Perhaps I am a rare case…..otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it. It must be successful for some. I have read it has changed people's lives in the completely opposite direction as it changed mine. It has been maybe 1 1/2 since my last ECT treatment.
@sadeyes Welcome to Mayo Connect. We welcome all here, and as you say, each person is different. It is important that we hear the experiences of others, good or bad, as it assists us in our journey, truly it does! By listening we can find others whom have had similar things happen and also we can learn about different ways to treat situations. While ECT did not work beneficially for you, I hope that you will find a treatment option that will. Have there been other things you have tried? Please come back to our cyber table and let us know how you are doing.
Ginger
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marjou
@marjou
@marjou
Posts: 66
Joined: Oct 30, 2019
I am new to this community. I don't want to post too much information about my experience with ECT, since I believe it is atypical and ECT can be helpful……but, after about 25 or so treatments I experienced a deep delirium. My actual experience with the ECT was traumatic, perhaps because of things in my past….like each time I went was very upsetting. After the delirium and the ECT was stopped my life changed dramatically for the worse because of the after effects both mentally, emotionally, physically and on my ability to just go back to my life — which I am still working at. Employment wise and just quality of life. I am single without much support and EVERYTHING has been a struggle. ECT changed my life in an extremely negative way. But, like I said, I can't speak for all. Perhaps I am a rare case…..otherwise they wouldn't keep doing it. It must be successful for some. I have read it has changed people's lives in the completely opposite direction as it changed mine. It has been maybe 1 1/2 since my last ECT treatment.
Hi @sadeyes Just wanted to share my experience with ECT. Am bipolar, medication resistant and after 13 treatments found no relief. The one thing I realize I must do to try and keep my head above the clouds is talk therapy. I force myself (literally) to get out and walk even if just 5 minutes. Music helps at times but no real hard and fast rule for me. I encourage you to keep trying and glad you've joined this group.
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Lisa Lucier
@lisalucier
@lisalucier
Posts: 4018
Joined: May 11, 2017
Hi @sadeyes Just wanted to share my experience with ECT. Am bipolar, medication resistant and after 13 treatments found no relief. The one thing I realize I must do to try and keep my head above the clouds is talk therapy. I force myself (literally) to get out and walk even if just 5 minutes. Music helps at times but no real hard and fast rule for me. I encourage you to keep trying and glad you've joined this group.
Hi, @marjou – thank you for offering your experience with ECT. Sounds like talk therapy has been very beneficial for you. How did you find the right therapist to work with?
@mrser52 – how are things going with the short-term memory loss you experienced?
@lisalucier
That would be really hard to lose some short-term memory and not know if it will be restored, @mrser52. I had a concussion several years back and my brain felt scrambled, and I know I was quite worried that it might be permanent. In this case, my brain went back to normal after a month.
How are you doing today?
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