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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
I just wanted to let people know that I have decided to do ECT, RUL twice per week. I am aware that many people oppose this, and some may think I am nuts to do this. I can only say I have read everything I can get my hands on--the good, the bad, and the ugly. I know the risks, and at this point have decided that this is what I need to do for me. I will be doing the ECT starting on March 5th or sooner if I cannot manage to get to that date. I want to try to put some things in order before starting.
Bad experiences with med's -- can't use meds without having extremely negative consequences. Am I am very severely depressed and in jeopardy of having to quit my job and lose all my benefits if I don't do something about my current state. So there it is.
So there it is. I have been struggling with whether to do ECT or not for the past three months and actually for the past year and one half or so when it was first recommended. Now that I have decided to do it, I am feeling more at peace and relieved. So, I hope people here will understand that for me, this is now the right thing for me to do.
lcat10 (Karen)
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 15:04:24
In reply to ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
> I just wanted to let people know that I have decided to do ECT, RUL twice per week. I am aware that many people oppose this, and some may think I am nuts to do this. I can only say I have read everything I can get my hands on--the good, the bad, and the ugly. I know the risks, and at this point have decided that this is what I need to do for me. I will be doing the ECT starting on March 5th or sooner if I cannot manage to get to that date. I want to try to put some things in order before starting.
>
> Bad experiences with med's -- can't use meds without having extremely negative consequences. Am I am very severely depressed and in jeopardy of having to quit my job and lose all my benefits if I don't do something about my current state. So there it is.
>
> So there it is. I have been struggling with whether to do ECT or not for the past three months and actually for the past year and one half or so when it was first recommended. Now that I have decided to do it, I am feeling more at peace and relieved. So, I hope people here will understand that for me, this is now the right thing for me to do.
>
> lcat10 (Karen)
>I think you have made a wise decision..ECT works for a lot of people, me included. I had 24 treatments back in 1997 because i was severely depressed and suicidal, and no medications were helping me. The treatments pulled me out of the pit...saved my life.
I wish you the very best, and please keep us up to date. May God bless you.
-Monte
Posted by NYCguy on February 3, 2007, at 15:11:54
In reply to ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
lcat10,
Here's a positive story about ECT. I have an immediate family member who has benefited tremendously from the ECT that they recived. This person was very close to ending it all from the pain and now they have completed college and have a career that they really enjoy.
You may forget some things and have to re-learn how to do some things, but if it helps with the pain of depression, which it often can, then it will be well worth the effort. It's hard to say that there is anything worse than a deep, dark depression.
Good luck and please keep everyone posted on your progress!!
Posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 15:31:08
In reply to Re: ECT » lcat10, posted by NYCguy on February 3, 2007, at 15:11:54
Thanks for the support. I had posted under another name previously, last month, and got blocked for saying some things that I don't really remember saying. I had tried Provigil, and it really messed with my head; made me even more depressed, confused, and I felt like my brain had turned to stone. Sorry to all you before that I may have said something nasty to you under (Karen44). I wasn't really myself then, and even so that is no excuse. It was a good thing that Dr. Bob blocked me becuase I was getting out of control and not knowing what I was saying and contradicting myself. Too painful for me to go back and look at those posts from mid January.
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 16:03:04
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 15:31:08
> Thanks for the support. I had posted under another name previously, last month, and got blocked for saying some things that I don't really remember saying. I had tried Provigil, and it really messed with my head; made me even more depressed, confused, and I felt like my brain had turned to stone. Sorry to all you before that I may have said something nasty to you under (Karen44). I wasn't really myself then, and even so that is no excuse. It was a good thing that Dr. Bob blocked me becuase I was getting out of control and not knowing what I was saying and contradicting myself. Too painful for me to go back and look at those posts from mid January.
You are forgiven. :) We all do it at one time or another...I know i have. Anyway, welcome back!
-Monte
Posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2007, at 17:22:54
In reply to Re: ECT » lcat10, posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 16:03:04
Great decision for you and now that it's made you can relax. Love Phillipa
Posted by stargazer on February 3, 2007, at 21:59:04
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2007, at 17:22:54
Lcat, Best of luck with ECT. We know you have made the best decision for yourself and have thought long and hard about it. A decision like that is never made easily so we all wish you well on the road to recovery...Stargazer
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 5, 2007, at 14:48:14
In reply to ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
Hi,
Just wondering (as I do) what medications have you tried so far?
Also, what symptoms do you have with your depression.
Hope ECT works for you.
Denise
Posted by lcat10 on February 5, 2007, at 20:50:21
In reply to To lCat10, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 5, 2007, at 14:48:14
> Hi,
>
> Just wondering (as I do) what medications have you tried so far?
>
> Also, what symptoms do you have with your depression.
>
> Hope ECT works for you.
>
>
> DeniseI've tried most all antidepressants. Depression is more of an endogenous type.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 6, 2007, at 6:41:09
In reply to Re: To lCat10, posted by lcat10 on February 5, 2007, at 20:50:21
Hi
Have you tried any of the anti-psychotic drugs or mood stablilizers?
Denise
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 6, 2007, at 13:21:29
In reply to ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
Hi,
Sorry, just seen another of your posts asking about ECT (as Karen I think). I think you listed all of the drugs you have tried on there.
Denise
Posted by lcat10 on February 6, 2007, at 22:25:09
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 6, 2007, at 13:21:29
Yes; you would see there a list of meds I have taken over the years. No meds for 12 years until got depressed again in 2005. Probably somewhat depressed starting in 2004, but I pretty much ignored it. I am currently on Emsam, 12 mg. and was on Lamictal, 100 mg. but discontinued last week. Working on discontinuing Neurontin now too. That was prescribed for nerve pain originally some five years ago. I had cervical spine surgery in 2005 but continue to have bulging discs above and below the surgery area. Best med that worked for me some 20 years ago was Parnate, but now I can't seem to tolerate it or other antidepressant meds.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 7, 2007, at 7:13:23
In reply to Re: ECT » deniseuk190466, posted by lcat10 on February 6, 2007, at 22:25:09
Hi,
Do you suffer from a-typical type of depression then? sleeping and eating too much? Do you get suicidal?
Also, why did you discontinue Lamictal and why are you discontinuing Neurontin?
Denise
Posted by lcat10 on February 7, 2007, at 22:13:00
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 7, 2007, at 7:13:23
No I don't sleep and eat too much. I have early morning depression, usually feel better in the evening, but not anymore. Usually don't sleep much, wake up early but don't want to get out of bed but do because I have to go to work. Harder and harder, and I am not sure I will make it through the month, but I will try. I have felt like my brain has turned to stone and I am just shuffling along. In the past couple of weeks, with what I am going to be doing with the ECT, I have become more anxious and agitated and cry all the time, even at work when I am alone in my office. I am managing to do my work, barely.
Why did I stop Lamictal? It wasn't really doing anything, and also it is in the anticonvulsant category and raise the seizure threshold level which is not good if one is undergoing ECT. Same with Neurontin. It's in the anticonvulsant category as well. I plan to stay on it until maybe a week before the ECT. I am also supposed to go off the Emsam two weeks before the ECT. This scares the hell out of me as I am not sure if it isn't helping at least a little. Well whatever happens, happens. My pdoc thinks we need to be ready for me to go into the hospital if I get any worse. Plan has been to do OP ECT. I think thats it.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 13:44:19
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 7, 2007, at 22:13:00
Hi,
Sounds like me, my depression is worst in the morning. The first two years back in 2001 and 2002 I used to lie in bed in the morning wishing there was a guillotine over my head which would just come down and chop my head off. I had a good job then and what actually kept me afloat during all of the drug trials was 10mg of Zyprexa around every 7 to 10 days. Have you ever tried 10mg of Zyprexa just now and again to keep you going?
I've been feeling awful since coming off Seroxat (around October) last year and again it's the Zyprexa which is keeping me going. I'm scared really about how my mood is when I don't take it. I don't cry a lot but I just feel really agitated, empty and deader than dead. Too empty to cry even and everything seems hopeless. The fact that my current (NHS) psychiatrist isn't even attempting to try something new on me or try anything on me is making things worse because it feels as though he has just given up on me. I need to feel as though I'm being treated, I need somebody to just say to me "we'll get you better".
Do you have bipolar or just (although it's not a just) unipolar depression?
I've told my psychiatrist (NHS) I'm suicidal but he has just referred me to see someone else, who won't be able to see me or even treat me with anything until March 20th (which seems like ages away)I have been thinking about just admitting myself as an inpatient (just to get some sort of treatment or to try something) but then I worry that this will be seen as copping out, taking an easy option.
Anyway, keep us updated on how the ECT goes for you, if it works I'll be pleased for you but very envious too.
Denise
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 13:52:45
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 7, 2007, at 22:13:00
Are you like me in the sense that you worry about a treatment not working and then plan what you are going to try next if that doesn't work?
I get chastised for doing this but I can't seem to help myself.
Denise
Posted by Karen44 on February 8, 2007, at 14:37:27
In reply to Re: Another thing, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 13:52:45
Denise
First of all, don't be envious of someone who is about to do ECT. There are huge risks and no guarantees that it will help. I have major depressive disorder, no bipolar. I use Seroquel on occasion to help so I can sleep at night.
No I don't worry about if something will work or not; I just wish I didn't have to do the ECT.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 14:40:34
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 13:44:19
Sorry, again saw another thread of yours and can see that you are not bipolar.
How come your psychiatrist has recommended you for ECT? I keep asking my psychiatrist (NHS) if I can try it and he keeps saying my kind of depression doesn't respond to it.
By the way, I did have two unilateral ECT treatments back in 2005 but I was not on any medication at the time, I was feeling awful (not from the ECT) and just wanted to get back on my medication again. Pretty much as I feel now really.
I only had two treatments which did not affect my memory at all. I wish now I had of at least continued and had the whole course. AT least I would know now whether it would work or not.
DeniseDenise
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 17:00:34
In reply to Re: Another thing, posted by Karen44 on February 8, 2007, at 14:37:27
I think you misunderstood. What I said was that I would be slightly envious if you achieve full remission of your symptoms.
Having said that I am envious that you are being given the option of having it. I wish it was being presented as an option to me, at least something for me to consider.
Denise
Posted by Alone on February 8, 2007, at 21:36:49
In reply to ECT, posted by lcat10 on February 3, 2007, at 13:52:46
Have you thought about applying for Social Security Dissability (SSD) before undergoing such a dangerous treatment?
If you are unable to work because of your condition, including Depression, you may qualify for SSD.
Social Security is an insurance policy that you have paid into in the event you become unable to work.
I am not proud of it, but I am on SSD my dx when I applied was PTSD. Since then Somatization Disorder has been added to my dx.
I was like you, everyday I felt overwhelming dread to go to work. It got harder and harder until one day, I physically could not get out of bed and go to work.
I was put on medical leave for 3 months. I was never on an antidepressant or anything before. It took 2 of the 3 months before the Prozac they prescribed me kicked in I was so depressed.
I never fully recovered after that breakdown. After years and years of trying, I finally hit my all time low. With no job an no health insurance, I got a hold of a very caring psychologist who helped me to apply for Medicaid and SSD, and saw me free of charge until the Medicaid kicked in.
Once you are approved for SSD your get Medicare and can join an insurrance PPO and it is just like the insurance you had at your job.
Your monthly SSD check amount is based on how many years you have worked and how much money you made.
Social Security will also do direct deposit into your checking each month if you desire.
If you decide later to try to work again they will let you have a 9 month trial period where you can try to work again while still receiving your SSD benefits.
I have tried to work twice since I started receiving SSD. I even Registered for classes at college 3 times, but couldn't follow through.
I understand. I REALLY understand. People who don't have this don't understand, and that makes it hard.
ECT is serious buisiness.
Posted by lcat10 on February 8, 2007, at 22:37:19
In reply to Re: ECT, posted by Alone on February 8, 2007, at 21:36:49
Thanks for your concern and information. I can take my pension plus a 401K and investments if needed, and I have a supplemental insurance that would pay up to 70% or more of medical bills. So, that is not a concern. Soon I will also be eligible for regular Social Security.
Today I felt much better and accomplished what I planned to accomplish and even chaired a meeting and did quite well thank you very much. So, now I am beginning to feel angry about the whole referral for ECT. Maybe this is just one good day and I will be back to profound depression again tomorrow, but I am determined to keep trying for now and not give in to depression. I see my pdoc tomorrow and will probably tell him I am fine which of course he won't buy, but who knows. If it lasts to next Wednesday when I see him again as well as the ECT doc, well then I will tell them both to take their ECT and shove it! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will be okay.
Posted by lcat10 on February 8, 2007, at 22:38:47
In reply to Re: Another thing, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 8, 2007, at 17:00:34
Denise
I understand your post now. Sorry for misunderstanding.
This is the end of the thread.
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