ECT Pros and Cons

Thank you for responding.  So much to think about.

Thank you for the response.  Actually, it's my sister and she is not responding as they are stating that she is in a catatonic state either due to a psychiatric issue or lupus.  She has never really struggled with any psychiatric issues in the past so my family isn't sure what to think. Hoping that she comes around as she has been in this state for 3 weeks now.  Thanks so much for reaching out to me.

Hi you are welcome Ellen.  To be honest if it was a relative of mine I would rather wait longer than 3 weeks unless there is a need for urgent treatment.   I know it is often used for deep seated depression and psychosis to try and jolt them out of it.  I  guess catatonia comes into that category as well.  . 

Are the doctors re commending it or just mentioning it?   Are they leaving the choice entitely up to the family?  It's hard to know how to advise you really.   I guess the question has to be is she being harmed more now being catatonic or would the possible side effects of ECT cause her more harm in the future?  A hard decision and one I don't envy you.  Let us kinow what happens please.   x

Doctor's are treating her with medication at this point, but are not happy with the results. They have brought up the ECT and I have a feeling that if we don't see results soon we may have to make a decision as she is not in a position to do that for herself.  She has many health problems.  She is diabetic, suffers with neuropathy, pulmonary hypertension which is affecting her lungs.  She was in the process of seeing a RA specialist as she tested positive for lupus.  Doctors are now treating her with steroids for lupus as she really doesn't seem to fit the criteria of someone who would go into a catotonic state. I do know that she has been overwhelmed with all of these health issues, but I didn't see anything that I would consider a deep depression that would put her in this state. She did tell me that she was "sick of being sick." My guess is that maybe she just couldn't handle this stress and physical pain (she was in a lot of pain) and her brain is helping her escape.  Does that make sense?  Either that or lupus has put her in this catatonic state.  I did read that autoammunine (diabetese and lupus are) can do this to a person.  I am not familiar with medications.  We have never had anyone deal with extreme mental health issues like this. We have some anxiety, but this is all very new to me. It's just VERY hard seeing her like this and not being able to help.  I want to make the best decision for her, but it is scary.  Hoping she comes out of this soon, but also worried becasue I know all of these health issues will still be there waiting for her.I think they are talking about the ECT also, becasue she has a temporary feeding tube as she hasn't been eating.  Today, there seemed to be some responses, but from what I read it's actions and repetions that catatonic people will do.  Like you clap your hands and then you might get her to clap her hands. Thanks for listening.

You are welcome love.   What an awful decision and responsibility you and your family bear.   I don't envy you.   I guess you all have to weigh up the odds and then decide. 

Unfortunetly whatever you all do you will still feel guilty as it goes with the territory I'm afraid.   We had this with my mother when she became incapable of maing her own decisions and we had to make them for her.  

You need to make sure you remember yourself in all this though and be aware the stress of it can affect you as well and can take strange forms.  One day at work I found myself laughing and crying at the same time - totally unexpected and scary.   Good luck with it.  x

Thanks for your thoughts and your experience in dealing with a situation with this.  I will definitley take into consideration how her current state of catatonia is effecting her now and what harm the ECT can do to her as you mentioned in your earlier post.  I saw her today and she actually ate some food.  I will keep you posted.

Yes please let me know what you all decide.  It's good news that she ate today and I am so pleased.  

Someone wise once told me that often you have to make decisions without all the facts and all you can do is to make it and hope for the best.  As long as you are sure you are doing it with her best interests at heart then that is fine.   Even if it turns out to be wrong later you can't do any more than your best can you?   No one can foresee the future after all.  Lots of hugs  x

 

Yes, those  words are something to think about and I will keep them in mind Your friend is very wise.. I keep reading everything I can find regarding ECT and have been able to some good information, but I am starting to think that the answer is not there.  I am trying to figure out what my sister would want and I don't see her wanting to do this treatment, but that little voice down inside keeps knawing at me that this may be the only option.  Can she get out of this state without it? My dad (my mom passed 14 years ago) and another sister are going to meet with the doctor's currently treating her on Monday.  My dad is 87 so he is relying on all of his children to help make this decisiion. I am from a family of 11 children so there will be many opionions to say the least.  Thanks again for your support. It is so nice having someone that is not involved to talk to.  So many emotions flaring within my family and is great  just to have a conversation with someone who can look at it objectively.

I am so sorry to hear about your issues.  I will definitely keep your issues in mind when trying to help my relative.  Was your ECT bilateral?

Omg!   I didn't know they gave it to children.  That's awful x

Wow that is horrible.  How many years ago was that?