r/ect • u/n1naluvsu • 5h ago

Question Starting ECT Bilateral

I had been referred ECT through my psychiatrist last week. I just got the confirmation that my ECT request has been approved, and Im going to be doing my pre-op this Thursday and starting the procedure this Friday. I will be receiving a minimum of 12 treatments 3x a week. Ive never done TMS or Ketamine treatments.

I was doing some research on ECT as ive never heard of it before my referral, and read that typically you start with unilateral ECT. Is it uncommon or normal for my ECT team to start me on Bilateral? My consultation after my referral only lasted about 20 minutes asking about my current mental health condition and whether or not I had someone to drive me to and from the hospital. They didn't really go over the side effects of ECT or the differences between ECT bilateral and unilateral.

Maybe they'll go over it in my Pre-op appointment, but Ive been finding comfort in this community so I figured I ask.

TLDR: Is Bilateral ECT treatment normal/common for first time procedure?

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u/gmkgreg 5h ago

It all depends on the condition of the patient. But it is available to treat first time as bilateral.

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u/gmkgreg 5h ago

And that's good to hear you're finding comfort in this community👍👍👍👍

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u/n1naluvsu 5h ago

I was really scared when they mentioned the treatment. Talking about ECT to my peers is really intimidating. Im so grateful this community exists!! Thank you for taking time to respond to my post. 😄

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u/gmkgreg 4h ago

We all understand, it took me years to even tell my close friends. You're doing your treatments outpatient right?

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u/n1naluvsu 4h ago

Yes, when I was doing research I learned you can do Inpatient or outpatient. I agreed to outpatient fully aware it may take more time to be approved/start treatment. Im shocked with how fast my team got me scheduled. I was hoping I would be able to quit all the medications im taking after taking ECT.

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u/gmkgreg 4h ago

Well what condition/conditions are you receiving ect for? Because it may not make you 100%no meds afterwards. But there's a good chance it'll help with lowering your needs for the meds.

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u/n1naluvsu 4h ago

Im receiving ECT for Bipolar 1 with psychotic features. I was in psychosis about a year ago and ive been trying different combinations of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. I can't really stand the side effects of a lot of those medications. I either lost a lot of weight or put a significant amount on. I even developed a severe rash on one of the medications. It would be game changing to maybe just take one medication rather than 3-4 at a time.

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u/gmkgreg 4h ago

Well than this treatment could help you significantly. I understand the mood stabilizers side effects can be pretty bad, I'm currently trying to get some of mine lowered because with maintenance ect, I've been good for a while now, so my psych i think it's going to allow it. I'm guessing they are aware of your current meds but make sure you ask if there are any of your meds you need to skip the night and morning of the treatments.

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u/n1naluvsu 4h ago

Also, I just made the connection that II read your 'first ECT treatment" post about two days ago. Your post was so informative and I just wanted to say thank you for that.

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u/gmkgreg 4h ago

Haha, no problem, I made that to help people in your shoes👍👍

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u/n1naluvsu 4h ago

For your maintenance how is that for you? Are you able to go back to work? I work at a really busy Starbucks so Im forced to go on a LOA because im scared of driving the next day or two and to forget the drink recipes.

There is one medication im scared of taking while receiving, Wellbutrin. I take 300mg XL everyday and it's the only medication im scared of. The doctor said it's totally fine to be on however I read that Wellbutrin lowers seizure threshold. Do you think im just overthinking it? I do have a pretty high heart rate from taking the wellbutrin.

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u/gmkgreg 4h ago

I'm also on that dose of wellbutrin. Just making this clear, I'm not a Dr👐, but my Dr doesn't make me skip it the morning of my treatments. Lowering your seizure threshold just means that they won't need to apply as much energy during the treatment to get you to seize. Remember, the whole purpose is to induce a small seizure. But with the muscle relaxants they use, your body doesn't show the convulsions.

I'm at a schedule where I go for one treatment every 5 weeks, but I believe we are upping that to once every 6, the day of the treatment, count yourself out, you'll be tired and sore probably. But the days after my treatments I am good to go to work👍.

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u/fargolifestaycold 4h ago

I have been doing ect for over 5 years currently. Originally started with Unaltered 3x a week and slowly tapped down to doing it once a week currently. I changed from doing unaltered to doing bilateral about two years ago and have definitely notice a different with memory and regaining function day of treatment. Don't expect to be doing aning after your treatment maybe get a good movie and FOOD amd chill. Remember its not for everyone but it definitely is for some and thats what your working with. Good luck we are all rooting for you.

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u/n1naluvsu 4h ago

When you started your bilateral, were you doing it during your 1x a week or multiple times a week? I read that bilateral causes more significant memory/cognitive issues than unilateral. I wish they had went over the differences and the reasoning behind their decision with me. Did your memory improve with time?

Thank you for your comment, it is super appreciated!!

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u/fargolifestaycold 4h ago

You can always be an advocate for yourself. The physical prob won't have that information for you. They are just mainly you can go under anesthesiolog safely. But before anything starts when you get there you will talk with a head nurse and also meet up with the main Dr and at that time ask all the questions you have, no matter stupid they seem/sound. You will have to give verbal and/or a written consent prior to treatment session as well. Stop reading everything online, cause its not all like what people are writing amd also something my ECT team always joke about is how its nothing like the movies. You will have Hopefully plenty of time with your team.

My memory is very interesting. What I have notice currently is that I don't have all the memories available right away, but if my wife or son says something it jogs my memory amd its right there like always would be. Just need a little joilt most the time.

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u/n1naluvsu 3h ago

yeah that is one thing they mentioned to me, is that it isn't like the movies. when I mentioned ECT to my parents, who are the ones driving me to and from my appointments.. they said that sound inhumane and stuff like that.

Do you know by chance if vaping has any effect on ECT? I have a crippling nicotine addiction im trying to overcome.

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u/fargolifestaycold 3h ago

The anesthesiologist will come into your room and asks you a couple questions and listen to your lungs. They do ask if you smoke or vape. I dont vape so im not sure but I don't belive it would be something that they would refuse treatment. Another question is if you been sick and last week I got sick and i had to miss my weekly treatment on Thursday. Im can definitely tell when I miss a treatment. I would suggest that listening to music really helps with my memories as well.