It's been nearly three years since a major depressive incident and since my diagnosis of medication resistant depressive. I was treated with 9 session of ECT which were extremely helpful. This depressive episode is escalating quickly and the decision for ECT seems like a no brainer to me. My psychiatrist wanted me to try TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) but with a result time of 6-8 weeks or longer my fear was by that time who knows what kind of hell I would be in with the depression and bad voices and suicide ideation??
With ECT I can start getting good results within a week and permanent results in two. However, it's not all roses, I do wake up with a nasty headache that I must take medication to eliminate.
What is ECT? It's Electroconvulsive Therapy. What to Expect from ECT Therapy.
The doctors put you under with anesthesia so you don't feel anything. They give you a shock to one side or the other of your brain that lasts a few seconds and then you are sent to recovery. It's over in a matter of minutes.
I've done a lot of soul searching, a lot of praying and this is what I've decided to do.
It's going to mean a major commitment of time not just for me but for my husband who will have to drive me to the treatments. He has and is so supportive of me and this Bipolar Disorder.
I've rearranged my schedule to accommodate treatments now I'm waiting for referrals and responses from the doctors. Wish me well and if it's in you to do so, send a prayer for a positive outcome.
Good news. I've been scheduled after much deliberation between doctors and insurance company. I start next week. This really bolsters my spirits.
Thank you.
