![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 15 to 39 of 39. Go back in thread:
Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2007, at 10:25:36
In reply to Kneeko, no stats just first hand observation w ECT, posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 8:03:10
The stats on ECT are mixed. The sucess rate on ECT may be low, but this is still considered good as these people are highly treatment resistent.
It does have a very high relapse rate. My psychiatrist will not administer ECT (he won't give me details)
If you are going to ask a person their impressions of ECT, do it a year after they have it.
Linkadge
Posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 15:42:28
In reply to Re: Kneeko, no stats just first hand observation w ECT, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2007, at 10:25:36
Maybe a post can be started for those who had ECT to get their feedback of it. Only I guess it would have to be somewhere other than here with medications, not sure though. I would be interested in seeing those results for my own knowledge and this is a great forum to get that information....Anyone here have ECT and can share their results here?
SG
Posted by sam123 on September 19, 2007, at 16:16:43
In reply to Post for ECT outcomes?, posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 15:42:28
Posted by sam123 on September 19, 2007, at 16:23:36
In reply to Re: Post for ECT outcomes?, posted by sam123 on September 19, 2007, at 16:16:43
here is quite a bit more:
Posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 17:27:05
In reply to Re: Post for ECT outcomes?, posted by sam123 on September 19, 2007, at 16:23:36
Thanks sam123 for sending those links.
I would like to hear specifically how those receiving ECT are doing 6,12,24 months out from their last ECT treatment. It's hard to know if ECT treatments are effective over the long term or just in the immediate post procedural phase.
Also it helps to have a dialogue with someone who has received ECT treatments in the recent past.
I am curious since in each of my really depressed moods, the thought of ECT comes up but I'm too afraid to ever think seriously about it for myself.
Stargazer
Posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 17:27:14
In reply to Re: Post for ECT outcomes?, posted by sam123 on September 19, 2007, at 16:23:36
Thanks sam123 for sending those links.
I would like to hear specifically how those receiving ECT are doing 6,12,24 months out from their last ECT treatment. It's hard to know if ECT treatments are effective over the long term or just in the immediate post procedural phase.
Also it helps to have a dialogue with someone who has received ECT treatments in the recent past.
I am curious since in each of my really depressed moods, the thought of ECT comes up but I'm too afraid to ever think seriously about it for myself.
Stargazer
Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2007, at 20:08:57
In reply to Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 17:27:14
ECT is used a lot in the elderly. Elderly people with severe mood disorders are probably less likely to be online to give a rating.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on September 19, 2007, at 20:34:12
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2007, at 20:08:57
Doesn't Phoenix girl occasionally post? I remember that name. Phillipa
Posted by sam123 on September 20, 2007, at 10:08:34
In reply to Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 17:27:14
> Thanks sam123 for sending those links.
>
> I would like to hear specifically how those receiving ECT are doing 6,12,24 months out from their last ECT treatment. It's hard to know if ECT treatments are effective over the long term or just in the immediate post procedural phase.
>
> Also it helps to have a dialogue with someone who has received ECT treatments in the recent past.
>
> I am curious since in each of my really depressed moods, the thought of ECT comes up but I'm too afraid to ever think seriously about it for myself.
>
> Stargazer
Sigh. It is always but.....
I will make a note of that.
Posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 13:15:02
In reply to Forced to terminate current Pdoc after Nardil fail, posted by girlnterrupted78 on September 16, 2007, at 23:35:15
Have you thought about seeing a psychopharmacologist? If you want a list, you have to go to this web site http://www.ascpp.org and send them an email. They will send you a list for your state.
brooke
Posted by twinleaf on September 20, 2007, at 14:10:48
In reply to girlinterrupted78, posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 13:15:02
Is anyone with TRD considering TMS? I wouldn't dare undergo ECT, but TMS has been very helpful to me over the last four years. Each time, it helps a lot for a few weeks to months. Then, the effect fades away, and I have it done again. No side effects that I've been able to detect.
Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2007, at 19:54:30
In reply to girlinterrupted78, posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 13:15:02
Thanks brooke just did it for me. Phillipa
Posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 20:18:49
In reply to Re: girlinterrupted78 » brooke484, posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2007, at 19:54:30
Good. That's how I found mine.
Posted by olysi79 on September 21, 2007, at 12:25:39
In reply to Re: Forced to terminate current Pdoc after Nardil » girlnterrupted78, posted by tecknohed on September 19, 2007, at 6:29:25
I am inclined to agree with tekno's statement... Some PDOCs tend to like to stick to "cookie cutter" cases, and do not necessarily have the tolerance or patience to take a more personalized approach in medicine. I personally do not want to allow these doctors to have my time or money. They don't dserve it as they are riding through the system in my opinion. Here's a little analogy... If you used the exact same business model to run each and every business in this world, would they all succeed? Absolutely not... a wierd analogy I know... but every one is different, hence a unique approach based upon research is needed in every situation.
Posted by florence on September 24, 2007, at 2:19:37
In reply to Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by stargazer2 on September 19, 2007, at 17:27:05
I had 12 ECT last year. Big mistake for ME.
Two world class hosptials in northern Ohio perform it.One will not do it if you have a thyroid disease cuz it doesnt work. The other one will do it on thyroid pts.
My pdoc was running out of ideas. I didn't think very clearly-- thought it might "zap" me back to life... It didn't.
I was very familiar with both hospitals and thought the psych dept was far better at the one that DID do ECT on thyroid pts. I used to work at the other place yrs ago while I was in college and also had a bad experience w/psych dept there yrs later.I have complained of fatigue for yrs. Taken tons of psych meds and others. Basically researched for yrs and finally diagnosed myself with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroid disease- the leading cause of underactive thyroid.
Tips on this site helped me tremendously; wish they were updated- (over 10 yrs old!)Ironically, a young man of about 30? was coming back for maintenance ECT; his parents said it "helped" him. He also had a thyroid disease but his dr was letting it burn itself out- an old way of thinking.....So he was not taking thyroid medicine.
Sorry, wish I could say the $15,0000 was better spent. But it confirmed my belief that I was not on enough thyroid replacement. IMO, like Noa said yrs ago on this site- ADs don't work if you have thyroid disease; maybe it holds true with ECT and thyroid disease,too.
I know a few guys that had much better success with ECT than females.
I was told that I had to take an AD after the treatments finished,too. And I had to stop Klonopin the night before the ECT treatment cuz the dr was having trouble inducing a seizure.
florence
> Thanks sam123 for sending those links.
>
> I would like to hear specifically how those receiving ECT are doing 6,12,24 months out from their last ECT treatment. It's hard to know if ECT treatments are effective over the long term or just in the immediate post procedural phase.
>
> Also it helps to have a dialogue with someone who has received ECT treatments in the recent past.
>
> I am curious since in each of my really depressed moods, the thought of ECT comes up but I'm too afraid to ever think seriously about it for myself.
>
> Stargazer
Posted by stargazer2 on September 24, 2007, at 9:02:37
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by florence on September 24, 2007, at 2:19:37
Florence...so, you would not recommend ECT for anyone with thyroid disease?
I was recently put on Synthroid, not because I have a thyroid condition but because it is felt that a TSH which is in a low normal range can affect depression. My level, 2.5 (norm range 0.5 to 5) which was considered normal by my psychiatrist and OB/GYN was evaluated by an Endocriologist nurse practioner who started me on Synthroid to get the TSH closer to 1, which she thought could help with my resistent depression. It has been about a month now on .25 mcg Synthroid
and my depression is under control but I was started on Nortriptyline 50 then, along with the Nardil I was already on. It's hard to know if Synthroid or Nortriptylinne is the med that is helping more than Nardil alone.Another PB'er sent me a babblemail indicating that she was not really helped by ECT and her memory is still affected almost a year later.
I'm still not sure I would ever have ECT even if I was suicidal but you never really know what you will do when you are at that point. I was brought out of a severe suicidal depression with Seroquel which I now believe I can use if I get to that point again.
I am not convinced that ECT does anything except major nervous sytem disruption which is used to get someone out of a major depression quickly but not necessariy keep them out and unless maintenance ECT is given.
I had memory difficulties with Lamictal but once the medicine is stopped the memory quickly returns not like ECT with long term memory issues for so many.
Not too many people are responding to this post although some people do not want to be "vocal" about their ECT experiences. You can babble me directly if you have strong views pro or con ECT and can give me your opinion.
Thanks for any feedback.
Stargazer
Posted by blueboy on September 24, 2007, at 15:32:17
In reply to Fflorence/others w ECT experience, + / -, posted by stargazer2 on September 24, 2007, at 9:02:37
I've never had ECT myself. I would definitely have it if I were suicidal enough, i.e. I'd try it before I'd kill myself.
My pdoc, who is good, says that ECT is very successful in a lot of cases. It's important to get it from somewhere that is up-to-date and knows about sine waves and stuff.
Also, read "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath (a writer who committed suicide). She said that getting ECT -- and this was in the 1950's -- made her feel like she had been living in a vacuum, and all of a sudden the lid was taken off and she could breathe again. Since it's a very good book and was written after treatment, at least ONE person obviously was helped by it, and didn't have her brain/memory damaged beyond repair.
Posted by Phillipa on September 24, 2007, at 20:42:58
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by florence on September 24, 2007, at 2:19:37
Florence what do you mean that ad's don't work with hasimotos as I have it???? I don't understand but always suspected it. If not too much would you babblemail me? Thanks Phillipa need more info on this and what you did to get better.
Posted by reese7194 on September 26, 2007, at 18:57:38
In reply to girlinterrupted78, posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 13:15:02
Posted by reese7194 on September 26, 2007, at 18:58:15
In reply to girlinterrupted78, posted by brooke484 on September 20, 2007, at 13:15:02
Posted by timidly on September 29, 2007, at 19:22:13
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by florence on September 24, 2007, at 2:19:37
Statistically, ECT remains one of the most effective short-term treatments for severe depression. {Notice the term "short-term")
The recently FDA approved the Cyberonics Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for depression. Cyeronics refers to VNS as "friendly, gentle, long-term ECT" (see http://www.vnstherapy.com). My pdoc gave me this as his last option.
I received 12 ECT sessions at Baylor 25 years ago. The ECT was done in a cramped storage closet by 2 people and 1 observer. They always seemed to be in a rush. So much so that I was awake during 3 of the sessions done before the anesthesia kicked in. I still have nightmares about those sessions. It made things worse for me. told me he was out of options and recommended I find another pdoc. My memory of the family reunion two weeks prior to the ECT has not returned. My myoclonic seizures started during the time of the ECT sessions, perhaps coincidence.
Results for the others in the group:
- 1 complete success, person still doing great 3 years later
- 2 improved just enough to qualify for a pass to spend one night a week at home.
- 1 was unchanged, still almost a vegtable.
- 1 unknown, transferred elsewhere.
Posted by reese7194 on September 30, 2007, at 12:28:40
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by timidly on September 29, 2007, at 19:22:13
> Statistically, ECT remains one of the most effective short-term treatments for severe depression. {Notice the term "short-term")
>
> The recently FDA approved the Cyberonics Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) for depression. Cyeronics refers to VNS as "friendly, gentle, long-term ECT" (see http://www.vnstherapy.com). My pdoc gave me this as his last option.
>
> I received 12 ECT sessions at Baylor 25 years ago. The ECT was done in a cramped storage closet by 2 people and 1 observer. They always seemed to be in a rush. So much so that I was awake during 3 of the sessions done before the anesthesia kicked in. I still have nightmares about those sessions. It made things worse for me. told me he was out of options and recommended I find another pdoc. My memory of the family reunion two weeks prior to the ECT has not returned. My myoclonic seizures started during the time of the ECT sessions, perhaps coincidence.
> Results for the others in the group:
> - 1 complete success, person still doing great 3 years later
> - 2 improved just enough to qualify for a pass to spend one night a week at home.
> - 1 was unchanged, still almost a vegtable.
> - 1 unknown, transferred elsewhere.
>yeah same here with the vegas thing. i still find it very interesting how they are against the tms. it wouldn't help me but i don't think the vegas would either. it has some f*ck*d up side effects to. and i don't think it's easy to get out....
f*ck man i am .... i'll use the stupid useless word sorry. i think if i was to tell anyone who was thinking of e.c.t. or i would ask them one question? "is your doctor treating it like it's not a big deal" if they are get the f*ck out of there.i was very fortunate. i went through the wonderful process of decision for two months. decided yes. day before i was to go in got a call from my insurance company saying i could get 2 shocks at columbia and 2 at i don't remmember maybe nyu and that made me just a tad uncomfortabble.
then i was told by my wonderful doc that once i got into columbia which was a tuesday, they would proceed wednesday or friday. i find a sad dark humor that ect is done monday, wednesday, and friday. of course. there aint no f*ck*ng doctors around on the weekends. it just sounds like a car shop
anyway. so i finally go in. well my doc is f*ck*ng prick. of course they have to run tests and sh*t which could have been done as an out-paitent. so i have to wait for at least a week. by this point in my life i had been in so many f*ck*ng hospitals that after five minutes i would start or feel like i was going ot catch fire.
i had come off most my meds. by the third or fourh day i had dissipated to a rapid degree. just staring and sh*t.
my mom came and i got out of the hospital for a smoke. we went out. i ran. got on the subway.
it was cruel to my mom. though she understood.
anyway. i found out later from the main doc at nyu who used to run a lot of tests on that it would have had a really bad effect.
FOR ME WHAT I HATE IS HOW THEY SAY HOW F*CK*NG WONDERFFUL IT IS. WELL I COULD GIVE SOMEONE SOME SH*T THAT WOULD MAKE THEM FEEL NOT DEPRESSED ANYMORE.they don't seem to mention that a majortiy of people have to go in like a car for a little maintance.
i don't have an issue with e.c.t. , i have an issue with doctors who tell you "oh you'll be having lunch that day" and don't mention all the other thigns...
but then again... when you are literally hanging on without fingernails what is one to do?
thank you for what you said
i will never forget the peoples eyes or friends eyes that were going through ect. it's not something one should see
Posted by Kneeko on October 3, 2007, at 22:37:34
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback » timidly, posted by reese7194 on September 30, 2007, at 12:28:40
I just started doing ECT for two sessions, and waiting for it was a living hell! Anyways, the way you talk about doctors and how they run the place isn't accurate where Im getting it.
They give you as much time to recover as you need, but Im already working out within 1 day of getting shocked. Today was funny, I didn't realize I even had ECT, but it made me sh*t my pants while I was out. Walking down the hall I wondered what the damn smell was then finally realized it was me. I feel exactly the same as 2 days before the ECT. One thing though the people waiting to get treated were usually older, only 1 person near my age. So thats feedback
Posted by iforgotmypassword on October 4, 2007, at 6:56:21
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by Kneeko on October 3, 2007, at 22:37:34
> They give you as much time to recover as you need, but Im already working out within 1 day of getting shocked. Today was funny, I didn't realize I even had ECT, but it made me sh*t my pants while I was out. Walking down the hall I wondered what the damn smell was then finally realized it was me.
yeah, i've peed myself for i think what must be the majority of the sessions by now. i try my best to pee beforehand and everything... kindof annoying.
Posted by stargazer2 on October 4, 2007, at 8:00:06
In reply to Re: Any recent ECT patients who can give feedback, posted by Kneeko on October 3, 2007, at 22:37:34
Kneeko, glad to hear your experience is going well after the first two treatments. I hope it is beneficial for you. Make sure you take care of "business" before each treatment based on what happened. I've only seen that with one person.
Stargazer
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.