Spoke Too Soon?
maybe the ECT is wearing off. the last few days have been just like they were a few weeks ago. i don’t feel like doing anything, it’s getting harder to leave the house, i’m withdrawing (you’ve probably noticed), i’m having trouble dragging myself into the shower, etc. all i want to do are things that don’t require too much mental effort (like playing video games and reading comic books), and even then i can’t always make myself do them.
my mom and Brian think that maybe i overdid it the first week i was finished with ECT. they said that maybe it’s catching up with me and now i’m evening out. i’m not so sure, though, because i just…feel…l-l-l-ethargic. the therapist says i need to readjust to having more energy and learn to figure out what my interests are, where to focus that energy, only i think it’s dissipating.
Bipolar/Anxiety/BPD
Peace……………….
May 16, 2006 7:14 pm
honey, if you’re having the same weather we are having here in STL then I understand. I have been so damn down lately! It’s been rainy for days upon days and I know it’s pushing me further down the spiral.
Here’s to hoping the weather clears up and our heads as well…
xoxoxo maggs
May 16, 2006 9:21 pm
I hope things slow down for you and you’re able to speed up and catch up some. I am having the hardest time lately so maybe it is the weather mixed with pure blasted emotions.
You are in my thoughts.
May 16, 2006 9:40 pm
I hope it isn’t wearing off! I was thinking about getting it done too. It’s a big decision and I hope everything works out for you.
May 16, 2006 9:51 pm
I’m sorry Barb : ( I am praying that this passes soon.
May 16, 2006 10:05 pm
This is most likely a procedure that will take some time getting used to. Maybe what you just experienced is something you have to look forward to as the procedures continue. I’m sorry you’re feeling down & am always here for you.
May 16, 2006 10:33 pm
Aww, Barb. I ‘m sorry you’re not feeling well. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you. A lot. *hugs*
May 16, 2006 10:35 pm
Barb, I hope your feeling better soon. Why not just try what the professional said for a while and see if it helps? Good luck!
May 17, 2006 3:00 am
thank you all so much for the kind words–they brought me to tears, but in a good way, to know that so many people care. i agree, the weather may have something to do with it and i thought today would be better because the sun is shining. unfortunately, i still feel like crapola. we’re going to call the p-doc today.
i’m thinking about all of you too, and hope that things look up for all of us. (((hugs)))
May 17, 2006 8:47 am
This is when I hit the sugar or caffeine! either that or chase a kitty.
May 17, 2006 9:56 am
See, here’s where the problem is. You need someone there with you to motivate you. You are all alone in that house until Brian comes home. You really cannot do it by yourself. I would highly suggest, if you have the money, to hire someone who will come to your door at least three times a week and half-ass make you do stuff. Honestly Barb, you need support . . . and it’s not going to come from ECT.
May 17, 2006 11:07 am
I don’t think ECT is something that can “wear off,” the changes should be permanent.
Your body has undergone a traumatic experience, and you need to give it time to recouperate.
You probably over did it.
May 17, 2006 6:54 pm
Yeah…you want me to come back there and make you go out and play a couple times a week?
May 17, 2006 11:35 pm
Oh Barb, I hope you just overdid it. You may be just really tired and lethargic. We all get that way. I mean especially if you were doing very little and then all of a sudden running around that first week. I am sending poistive vibes in you direction!
May 18, 2006 12:42 pm
How are you, Barb? Did you and Brian call the p-doc?
I found this interesting comment by one of your readers, Fae, which seems important to keep in mind (did she go through ECT, too?):
“Barb, I can only strongly suggest that you stay on your meds. Normally the rule of thumb is to go on with your meds for 6 months to one year after you?re doing well (have no symptoms) or even longer if you?ve had many relapses. (That is after a ?normal? depression)
ECT is a mood stabilizer and should be treated almost like a medication - if you just get the ECT and then stop, the relapse rate is very very high. You would have to get Maintenance ECT for about 6 or more months to make up for it.
The normal thing to do is to do the ECT and adjust or keep your meds. It is proven that that leads to the lowest relapse risk.
(Also, yes, ECT is the best anti-mania treatment there is - the problem is getting consent from a manic patient. )
…snip…”
So, what do you think about that?
Margaret
May 18, 2006 2:27 pm
I would love to ditch working and participating in society to play video games and read comic books… OMG Cobra Commander is coming back harcore…
ANYWAY…
My point is, lots of people have that feeling, even without the ECT. The hardest person to please is yourself.
May 18, 2006 3:24 pm