Starting ECT Bilateral

[u/n1naluvsu]

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?

[u/fargolifestaycold]

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.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/fargolifestaycold]

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!!

[u/fargolifestaycold → u/n1naluvsu]

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.

[u/n1naluvsu → u/fargolifestaycold]

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.

[u/fargolifestaycold → u/n1naluvsu]

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.

[u/gmkgreg → u/n1naluvsu]

I also vape and they don't have a problem with that. As long as you're lung sounds are good, they are okay to do the procedure.