ECT Success

@xinlihan, I'm so pleased to hear that ECT treatments were a success for your wife. Thank you for returning to share your success with the community. I know you had heard a variety of experiences from fellow members, some who shared success stories and others did not. You must have been nervous especially hearing that there were struggles along the way.

What tips would you offer to other caregivers who are supporting a loved one through ECT treatment? What do you wish you had known?

@xinlihan I so glad to hear that your wife's ECT treatments brought about these positive changes. You are a blessing to have made all this happen for your wife at Mayo Clinic. It sounds like you were and are a strong advocate for your wife.
What would you say to someone who is contemplating ECT for themselves or a loved one?

Helen, I am not sure, honestly. I really relied on the Mayo Care Team we were fortunate to have, and during those first few dark days, I accepted pretty much on faith that it would work. I had to be an active particpant due to my wife not speaking English, and also possessing world-class level of obstinence.

Before we started I felt strong doubts due to the comments I saw posted on this blog. Many do not have success with ECT, apparently. My wife responded well due to the nature of what had befallen her, originating from famly tragedy. So, I relied on those folks in Generose and we were fortunate to have a positive result. Thanks

That is a good question, Colleen. I might have read more about ECT treatments in general. The person coordinating Xinli's care, as well as a number of the nurses gave me bits of information that gradually filled in what was happening.

Patients really need support though, and it is crucial to have someone who cares. One tragic aspect of mental illness is that it tends to wear people out, as every care give knows.

My sister, father, son, cousin and now my wife, I have been through a few rounds. Nothing is more exhausting than dealing with a mentally ill person. Those who work in the field have enormous resilience, for which one can only be grateful.

It is gratifying to know of your personal experience. Most importantly of the positive outcome of the ECT.
I am curious if any medication was reevaluated.

Our loved one does not recall the “time” immediately following the ECT. To this day, the time immediately following the procedure continue to remain foggy.

At his request we played cards and did crossword puzzles in the following days.

His knowledge in the recently earned master degree returned. Our loved one now is employed though that degree.

I concur, through the education of the Mayo Clinic doctors and nurses most definitely had an influence on our family’s decision for the ECT procedure. Their care continued the days following. Acts of kindness is an important component of healing.

God bless your loved one with continued healing.

I am curious if any medication was reevaluated.
Medication my wife was taking was mostly for sleep earlier. No SSDI medications ever had therapeutic value for her. Zyprexia in hospital helped bring back appetite. Otherwise, we are not taking medications at the moment. Not much in the way of memory return yet.

Thanks. I wish your family member continued stability.