Memory loss and Cognitive issues after ECT treatments

I have memory loss from 13 ECT treatments in February of this year.

so sorry to hear this. a member of my family went through 30 days of in-patient ECT treatments 11 years ago and has experienced some memory loss and maybe even some cognitive issues over the years. the good part was that the treatments were definitely a mental "re-set", resulting in many years of good mental quality. i know that everyone's experience is going to be different, but am curious to know whether for you, the treatments were successful in other arenas.

I forget names 🥲

@mizzdeb48
Great question.
The ECT treatments were both a blessing and a curse.
Didn't help with the depression and caused memory loss and cognitive issues but.....completely did a 180 degree outlook on my life. Took a look around my surroundings and didn't like what I saw. Got divorced after 13 years and moved out of state, which by the way I don't remember how I got there. May not be living the dream, but it's my own dream on my terms. My ex and I are better friends then husband and wife. To be honest I'm exhausted, both mentally and physically. If it wasn't for my kids and grandkids I wouldn't be here. My brain at times just feels heavy and done. I understand but my brain doesn't do the rest. Yes, all my MRI'S have been fine. The constant battle to function is numbing.
In a nutshell gained my independence but at a cost.

@alto1 thank you for sharing your experience. i don't think you can put a price on your independence and living life on your terms, but i do see the cost of those treatments. you made an informed decision and are now living with that. i would hope that ongoing therapy and support from others, along with faith (which i'm sure is blind sometimes) in yourself,
will help you maintain a good quality of life, taking things one day at a time. wishing you the best on your journey!

@mizzdeb48
Thank you for your kind words...I'll be fine. I've learned to pick and choose my battles and more importantly to Let That S**t Go! Lol.
Depression can be a hole that seems inescapable . You can have all the support, but in the end you either have to climb out or make a tunnel and re-invent yourself. That's what I did. Life is about change and adjustment, make it happen.
Yes, there are bad days and that's allowed it comes with the territory.
Wishing you and your family the best. Keep supporting your loved ones and yourself.
Thank you!

@lisseth Constantly annoying and embarrassing. Any tricks?

@ceciford
Hello,
Have your doctor's assessed your memory loss as permanent or some of your memory might come back? Did the treatments help at all?
I hope all goes well.
I've had to learn to organize and reorganize what I forgot lol !
Keep moving forward!

My dr only said my memory loss was real and that it wasn't as uncommon as reported.

No, 13 ECT treatments were not helpful for me.

On a positive note for ECT: I had numerous treatments with bilateral ECT many year ago, about 35 yrs ago. It has since been found that bilateral application of the electrodes causes more memory loss than unilateral. The treatments got me the first step out of a severe depression. From there I went on to grow healthy again.

I did have memory loss from the ECT: About 2 years, the most recent 2 years, including the whole time I had worked at a job, were gone. All those memories were gone. I went back to the building I had worked at and couldn't recognize anything at all. That caused a panic attack.

However, I have not noticed any long term effects of the ECT on my memory. The short-term therapeutic benefits were very good.