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shock therapy - Guys Im scared!


Donna027 wrote: Ive been very depressed lately and have tried many anti-depressants over the years and nothing works. Or it works just for a little while. My doctors were talking about Electroconvulsive therapy or shock treatment to get rid of the depression. My appointment is tomorrow and Im so scared! unsure.gif unsure.gif Ive heard a lot of negative things about shock therapy such as memory loss. But the dorctors think the good benifits will outweigh the bad. Has anyone had this done or know anyone who did??

amynicole21 replied: Have you spoken with different doctors about this? I wonder if a second opinion might be helpful? I think I'd want all of the info available before I went through with it. I know what you are going through. I've been on anti-depressants for nearly 10 years now. hug.gif

Calimama replied: I agree I would get a second opinion. That sounds so scary. hug.gif

mckayleesmom replied: SHOCK THERAPY???.....They still do that? blink.gif

I would cancel my appointment and get a second opinion also.

lovemykiddies replied: First of all, I agree with the others that you should get a second opinion. ECT does cause memory loss, but it's still undetermined how much and to what degree. It's usually a last resort measure for treatment-resistant depression. You might already know all this, though.

I think the key thing you should remember is that your doctors seem to think the benefits outweigh the negatives. I'm really not trying to offend you, but I think with your past suicidal attempt you might want to consider something like this, especially since you have a little boy to care for. Again, I'm really not trying to be rude, because I know all too well what you're going through. I'm trying to recover from a lot of mental problems myself! I DO know how you feel (at least to a degree...you know what I mean). But I'm also not a mother yet, and if I had a child dependant on me I would probably consider doing things I normally wouldn't to get better. But I also think you should get that second opinion, because there might be other options--different meds, more intensive therapy, treatment programs for depression, etc.

I really hope things get better for you! hug.gif

luvmykids replied: I don't know the extent of other methods you've tried such as therapy, different dosages, etc but I would definitely want another opinion. I take your doctors opinion seriously but personally couldn't do something that drastic without another opinion. Best wishes whatever route you take hug.gif

Donna027 replied: I did get a second opinion and was tempted to even get a third. Both doctors agreed with shock therapy sad.gif Im really not looking forward to tomorrow and part of me wants to cancel the appointment

lovemykiddies replied: I think you should cancel it. Not because it won't be helpful, or isn't the right decision, etc. ONLY because you don't want to do it. Maybe you could spend a little more time researching it, consulting with others, etc. Hopefully you have a therapist you could discuss this with?

That's just my opinion blush.gif I think it would be different if you wanted to do this and knew you needed to...and were dreading it. But it sounds like you are not happy with this decision, and I think that's worrisome when undergoing such serious treatment. But good luck in whatever choice you make. hug.gif

jcc64 replied: I would keep the appt and discuss your fears and concerns with your dr. Use the time as an information gathering session- interview the dr and ask as many questions as you can think of. Write them down beforehand, if that helps. Then take the info you've gathered, and do some independent research. You should then be able to decide for yourself whether you trust what this dr is telling you.
I've heard quite a few success stories about ECT- it's been modified from the old days and I think is effective particularly for people who haven't responded to pharmaceutical therapies.
Try to have an open mind, is all I'm saying.
Good luck and kup. hug.gif

DansMom replied: I know I'm chiming in late here, but I do know someone who was helped by it. She was an employee in my office, and she had to take time off a few times to be hospitalized for depression. When she had electroshock therapy, it really seemed to put her back on track and she was in a good place for a while. Like any other treatment, after a year or two she was feeling bad again. She now does a martial art (Tai Chi) and is trying other means---but she needed something first to push her out of a very dark, immobile place. My heart goes out to you---I hope things get better hug.gif

mom21kid2dogs replied:
ITA. It's not your mother's shock therapy anymore, so to speak. Brain research and therapy has grown immensely in the past 20 years. A young woman I worked with years ago and have maintained an aquaintance with since had it done about 18 mo ago. The results for her were nothing short of miraculous. She suffered from depression since childhood. After EST, she did have very minor short term memory loss which was fully restored within a month afterward. You should definately weigh the benefits, maybe ask to talk to other patients who have had it done, etc.

amymom replied: My thoughts are with you today! hug.gif

A&A'smommy replied: WOW I have NEVER heard of that but I hope it works for you, let us know how it goes whenever you can!!! hug.gif hug.gif


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