i got brain damage from electroconvulsive therapy.
Posted , 86 users are following.
In 2005 I was given 22 lots of electroconvulsive therapy. It left me with brain damage that means I will never work again. I was lucky because I got support from a neuropsychologist who allowed me to understand and come to terms with my problems. ECT can be used to great effect. However some people like myself end up severely and permanently affected. I want to use this place to link up with those like myself. So that we can support each other. I don't say ect shouldn't be used. But people thinking of it should understand what can happen. The Information given about ECT side effects doesn't go into details, they talk about memory problems. Actually it affects far more than that. It causes cognitive impairment. 10 years on I need 12 hours of home help a week to help me care for my 3 kids. I tire very easily and some days I am able and feel intelligent. Other days if I have pushed myself and not been able to have a midday nap I struggle to do the most basic of tasks. Some days I'm not well enough to drive at all. Other days I will drive short distances. I was a doctor and well never work again.
Please let me know if you have had similar problems. Or if your thinking about ECT please make sure that you understand what could happen to you. It could mean permanent I'll health on top of your existing problems.I am no longer depressed. It wasn't stopped by the ECT but by psychological input to support me out of my coercively abusive marriage.
16 likes, 269 replies
syd84532 sue_cunliffe1
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I had my first 2 courses of ECT treatments back to back when I was 19. They were 3 times a week for a month, then 2 times a week for a month tapering down to once a month. I had a full relapse in my depression after the first two months after the first course of treatments so they started the whole course over again. I was somewhat stable for a couple years until a year ago (I am now 23.) I started the course of treatments again receiving very little benefit by the end of the treatments and many more side effects so I told them I was done and wasn't going to try it again. I had spotty memory loss from the past 5 years and some older memories seemed foggy. I also had trouble with reading out loud (which had never been a problem) although I could read just fine in my head. Brain fog was also very strong for the first few months. I have trouble remembering simple spelling for words I knew how to spell. I have been free of anti- depressants and ECT for almost 7 months now with my only medication being a non narcotic off label prescription for narcolepsy and have been doing much better. I'm still relearning certain things and remaking neural connections but it has gotten better over time. I still get overwhelmed by what I consented to be done to me which my depression blinded me from seeing. I am so sorry to anyone else who is dealing with the repercussions of such a treatment
david39879 sue_cunliffe1
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laura08496 david39879
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i recieved ect treatments maybe a year or two before you, and i am horribly sensitive to bright light. especially a sunny day. i almost feel assaulted by it. i just want to cower, and run back inside the house. my eyes and head will hurt. i find little relief in the shade. right now i am glad the days are getting shorter here in new york.
from laura
james14279 sue_cunliffe1
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Jim Ward
laura08496 james14279
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dear jim, after my treatments, i was told that any memory loss would be temporary. it's sixteen years now, and things are only worse. and my doctor still makes me think i'm exaggerating....for attention, or just for complaining. i am feeling insulted by him. i am p*ssed off too. i hope people will read and learn from our comments, and research before they make the same decision to try it. from laura
laura08496 james14279
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diane05094 laura08496
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sue_cunliffe1 diane05094
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laura08496 diane05094
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it means a lot when you acknowledge me, and believe me. i could consider a new doctor, but am afraid of the unfamiliar. i fear the grass is not always greener on the other side. they say "stick with the delvil you know." what a horrible thought to mention on a sunday....i may be ready to change someday in the future, it'll depend where my head is at the time. thank you for your comment and understanding......laura
sue_cunliffe1 laura08496
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laura08496 sue_cunliffe1
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brian43985 james14279
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brian43985 sue_cunliffe1
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I was diagnosed as being bi-polar in the 1900s I have had several in patient stays over the years. I beleve that I have had ECT without my knowlege several times over the years. I am in the process of requesting my complete set of notes so that I can see if there are any records of ECT being administered without my consent.
Currently I take Lithium/Sodium Valporate + Statins
I seem to have similar symptons to you also my teeth are loose and starting to fall out. Of which I feel is a side effect of the Lithium and Sodium Valporate.
sue_cunliffe1 brian43985
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This forum seems to attract many people like us . All left brain damaged with doctors in denial.
We keep getting moderated even for putting helpful links to videos and groups.
This place is about ensuring other people are made aware of the issues and to seek comfort from others.
brian43985 sue_cunliffe1
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Sent my £10.00 fee off for my notes today. After many years of being fobbed off concerning access. It will be interesting to see if I really get the full set of note to look at.
Aurebu brian43985
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Hi Brian. I hope that you get it all sorted out. My spouse was given ECT without concent last January. At the time I didn't know much about the treatment. i had only hear the psychiatrists propaganda.
I sepnt the first few days after her first treatment readin up on ECT. Both by listening to those for and against. THe information I found got me furious, and I threttened the ward with the Police if they didn't stop the treatments.
My spouse is also Bipolar (Bipolar 1). Since then they've tried to claim that She's Bipolar 2, so they can rectify the issues she's gotten from ECT, and some doctors have even claimed that she isn't Bipolar at all, and should never have been given ECT.