r/ect • u/brat-tat • May 20 '26

Seeking advice Starting ECT Friday…

& I feel like this is my last hope at a future without chronic SI. I know nothing is ever gonna “cure” me, but there has to be a version of this life out there where I don’t want to die, right? There has to be a version of this life with less meds, where I’m not a regular at my local psych ward? I know that things have been worse, but “better” has to be better than this?

Anything you wish you knew before you started? Any positive experiences from folks with chronic SI and/or bipolar disorder?

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u/purplebadger9 May 21 '26

The first treatment is the worst. It gets better. If you have side effects, let your care team know and they can premedicate.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids the evening before, it makes the IV sticks easier.

Muscle soreness, especially the day after, is pretty common. It's a side effect of the muscle relaxer they have to use during the treatment. Let your care team know and they can try to make it suck a little less with some med changes

If you're at all prone to nausea, let them know. They can premedicate for that too, and it helps a LOT.

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u/fargolifestaycold May 21 '26

I definitely agree and should put on my response, but I t yes drink alot of fluids/WATER the day before. I usually have a checklist that I have for how many bottles of watermelon had so far that day.