Contemplating ECT as a last ditch effort before CTB

[UnbearableLightness]

Very curious for SaSu members' experience with this. Tried about 10-15 drugs over my lifetime plus ket and tms and thinking this might be the end of the line for me if I don't try it. Been in a severe depressive episode for 6 months following a Bipolar I manic psychotic episode that destroyed my life. Any ECT enjoyers (lol) with thoughts?

currently contemplating a potential voluntary inpatient stay before attempting with SN for the 2nd time.

 

[LostHighway]

Very curious for SaSu members' experience with this. Tried about 10-15 drugs over my lifetime plus ket and tms and thinking this might be the end of the line for me if I don't try it. Been in a severe depressive episode for 6 months following a Bipolar I manic psychotic episode that destroyed my life. Any ECT enjoyers (lol) with thoughts?

currently contemplating a potential voluntary inpatient stay before attempting with SN for the 2nd time.

My friend who is bipolar and has severe depression is doing fantastic because of ECT. He is SO relieved. It does mess with your memory though, but I'm sure some of the memories you will lose you will not miss. If you have the money, Ketamine infusions and Adderall saved another friend's life. He was suicidally depressed. And there's an intranasal ketamine called Eskatamine, which might be promising.

 

[dragonofenvy]

Funny how you post this today, because I'm contemplating the exact same thing. Gonna try to get ECT or TMS scheduled ASAP myself. Never know if you don't try right?

 

[NZkiwi]

Very curious for SaSu members' experience with this. Tried about 10-15 drugs over my lifetime plus ket and tms and thinking this might be the end of the line for me if I don't try it. Been in a severe depressive episode for 6 months following a Bipolar I manic psychotic episode that destroyed my life. Any ECT enjoyers (lol) with thoughts?

currently contemplating a potential voluntary inpatient stay before attempting with SN for the 2nd time.

No personal experience, but when I was on the other side working in health care the patients that had (voluntary) ECT had good response to it after medications didn't work.

Unrelated, I had a friend who fell down stairs and hit his head hard, and his depression recovered after that. Mind works in weird ways lmao.

If you choose to do ECT, wish you all the best.

 

[UnbearableLightness]

My friend who is bipolar and has severe depression is doing fantastic because of ECT. He is SO relieved. It does mess with your memory though, but I'm sure some of the memories you will lose you will not miss. If you have the money, Ketamine infusions and Adderall saved another friend's life. He was suicidally depressed. And there's an intranasal ketamine called Eskatamine, which might be promising.

Can you tell me a bit more about his transformation? I'm seriously considering this

For context I'm generally unable to leave bed, struggle to feed myself, can't work or do school, and am a total burden on my family. Thinking if nothing changes I will ctb or apply for disability. I actually used to be an extremely high functioning corporate professional prior to my 3 month psychotic episode.

Oh also I already tried ket and it destabilized me and I actually came out worse/more suicidal

 

[LostHighway]

IGNORE the This post has been deleted! It just means the OP deleted his post but the comments are still helpful. First of all, I love your name. The Unbearable Lightness of Being is one of my favorite films of all time. And my name, Lost Highway is another favorite.

Have you tried rTMS for depression? If so, it may be covered under your insurance. Some people get a lot of benefit from it.

My friend who had the ECT is in Costa Rica now. Otherwise I'd try to put you in touch with him. His change was night and day. YEARS of depression. And he's OLD, and he did just fine on it. I would do it in a heartbeat if it helped my severe insomnia. But it doesn't.

There are some good NCBI studies on bipolar depression and ECT.

Also, check out this Reddit thread:


BUT, here's a more sobering thread. People talk about memory problems.

 

[UnbearableLightness]

IGNORE the This post has been deleted! It just means the OP deleted his post but the comments are still helpful. First of all, I love your name. The Unbearable Lightness of Being is one of my favorite films of all time. And my name, Lost Highway is another favorite.

Have you tried rTMS for depression? If so, it may be covered under your insurance. Some people get a lot of benefit from it.

My friend who had the ECT is in Costa Rica now. Otherwise I'd try to put you in touch with him. His change was night and day. YEARS of depression. And he's OLD, and he did just fine on it. I would do it in a heartbeat if it helped my severe insomnia. But it doesn't.

There are some good NCBI studies on bipolar depression and ECT.

Also, check out this Reddit thread:


BUT, here's a more sobering thread. People talk about memory problems.

This message really means a lot to me. Your friend's story gives me hope. I've called the hospital that does ECT and will speak with their intake team tomorrow (I also have KN arriving too though lol). If this could actually provide a sustained remission after 3 months of severe mania and 6 of severe depression that would be life changing and worth the risk.

And yeah I already tried TMS.

Lost Highway and Lynch rule. When I was younger and not bipolar I was a wee freshman at a university in NYC and I would see lynch films at the art house theaters. IFC on 6th Ave (formerly the Waverly) would do midnight showings of Eraserhead. If I could still cry on lithium, Abilify, and klonopin I would shed a tear thinking of those happier days.


I do just want to say I'm afraid of forgetting the last time I fell in love. I've been single 2 1/2 years now and if I forgot that entire relationship even though it only lasted 9 months it would devastate me

 

[NZkiwi]

not bipolar I was a wee freshman at a university

oh wow we might be more similar than you think

hope it goes well for you friend