Throwback Thursdays feature relevant posts (of about 20) from a private, online journal I kept last fall. They chronicle my time during a depressive episode, which led to another round of ECT. You’ll read firsthand what that was like for me. The entries are slightly edited for clarity, and with regard to anonymity. Also, I describe how the actual procedure is done from start to finish in a previous post. And, as stated on my About page, I don’t advocate for or against using ECT. I’m just sharing my experience.
This is the last post of the series.
Maintenance ECT – November 17, 2016
Today I sent an email to both ECT Doctor 1 and my psychiatrist regarding my decision and concerns about the recent ECT treatments. My psychiatrist sent me a nice, positive reply and pointed out that back-to-back treatments would definitely wreak havoc with my memory. Anyway, I see him in December.
I also heard back from ECT Doctor 1 today. He recommended monthly maintenance ECT beginning in December when he’ll be back at the helm. Once a month isn’t too bad. I’m open to that.
Epilogue
I can’t remember if I had maintenance ECT that December. As I mentioned above, the treatments at the time were affecting my memory. I do remember undergoing back-to-back treatments in February and March 2017. For the first time, they didn’t work, but still affected my memory. Again, I elected to discontinue treatment.
I hope that I never need ECT again. But if it’s absolutely necessary for my health, I’m open to it.
After being rejected by the DBT Program, I decided not to try again. Even If I was accepted, I honestly didn’t think I’d like or have the patience for the lecture/homework format, which is how it was the first time I went for only 1 day, for the same reasons along with anxiety.
On the other hand, I’ve continued seeing my psychiatrist on a regular basis and my therapist weekly.
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