So, as many of you may already know, I have been pursuing ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) Treatment for about the past month or so. I am very pleased to announce that tomorrow is my very first treatment! I will be undergoing treatment for about a month, maybe less, maybe more, 3 times a week. I know, that probably sounds like a lot, and don’t worry it sounds like a lot to me too. Yet, I am basically giving the steering wheel of my life to these doctors for the time being, in the hopes that when I get it back, I will be on a much brighter path. So in case you didn’t know, I will be chronicling my treatment with posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on my personal blog The Smiles We Bear. I will be writing everything and everything about my treatment, from side effects, to progress. I am very hopeful that this treatment will succeed with me, as it has a 90% success rate with treatment resistant depression. However, my therapist has told me to proceed with caution when it comes to my expectations for this treatment. In her words, “I won’t wake up from the anesthesia and be a new happier person.” But then again, she has no experience with ECT, like myself, so we cannot honestly say that that won’t happen. Of course there are also the extreme side effects that I will have to wade through during the course of my treatment, like confusion, nausea, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, etc. On top of all that, even if it is successful, there is no telling for how long. Yes, I CAN relapse into depression after going through all of this. The silver lining is that not only can the treatment last decades, but if it worked once, it can work again. Meaning IF I do relapse, I can just go in for another round of ECT. Not to mention that I will be continuing my meds throughout and after the treatment. So to say the least, I have really high expectations for this treatment, exactly the opposite of what my therapist is advising me to have. How can I help it though? I mean there is a chance that I could be depression FREE when all is said and done. Why would I not be excited after 10 grueling years of non-stop fighting. I could finally have a, somewhat, normal life! So, I don’t want to take any more of your time, but if you want to read my entire ECT Journey series, follow my blog The Smiles We Bear.
Yours,
Wolfgang
Best of luck with your new journey! Can’t wait to follow along. Crossing my fingers for you!!
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Thanks!! So am I, if you couldn’t tell haha
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Best of luck to you. I will be following along on your personal blog.
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Thanks! Happy to have you!
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Congrats, I look forward to reading the posts about it?
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Thanks! And don’t worry about the question mark, it’s all good.
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*
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.* sorry I typed the question mark by accident
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Wow. I have never heard of this treatment. I really hope it works for you. You sound so enthusiastic about it. I hope for your sake you aren’t getting your hopes too high, but keeping your hopes high is the best way to stay motivated. I cant wait to hear more about how your treatment is going. I wish you the best of luck. ❤
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Thank you, and yes, I’m walking a fine line right now
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Don’t forget to carry your teddy bear tomorrow.
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If I had one, I would. Instead I’ll be carrying a metaphorical teddy bear with me
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Thank you for sharing this, if possible, could to chronicle your journey. Not many know about doing ECT and what happens. I wish you luck and you maneuver this new journey,
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Thanks James! I will write all about it on my blog, and make regular updates here on the Bipolar Writer
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I would appreciate it. I considered going down this path but I was worried about losing my ability to write or lose years of my memory. I know it really helps people so good luck!
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I know the struggle and wish you luck! Hope the ECT works out for you with minimal side effects and down time. Hope to hear good things from you soon!
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Thanks, so do I. I’ll need all the luck I can get
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Good luck. ECT has evolved over the years. There is also TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) treatment for depression as well.
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Yeah, ECT has a 90% success rate right now, and the next step (if I was in that 10%) would be TMS
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