Posted by Bob on May 21, 2005, at 10:33:05
In reply to Re: ECT failure? » Bob, posted by 4WD on May 21, 2005, at 0:17:10
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> > Scott:
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> > I would definitely recommend that you restart the ECT if it worked that well for you. Needless to say, my experience with ECT has not been nearly as good. I'm going in for my 17th treatment next week, and I'm not sure it's doing anything but making me worse any longer. I'm going to ask my doctors once again how much longer I should be trying it, but I'm afraid I'll be stopping soon. Problem is, I just don't know what I'll do next. I hate the meds so much I can't even put it into words.
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> > Bob
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> Bob,
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> Have you considered the VNS implant? Some people have gotten really good results. And then there's the DBS (deep brain stimulation) treatment that's being tested now. Have you seen an endocrinologist?
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> I guess my point is, don't give up. There are new drugs every month it seems and new treatments.
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> Hang in there.
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> Marsha
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>Thanks for the encouragement, Marsha. I was actually involved in a VNS study here at the University of Maryland, until it fell apart financially, and the chance to actually get the device disappeared. That lasted a couple years, actually, where I would go down there every couple weeks and answer questions and fill out forms. I guess if that thing gets officially approved, I might be able to get it put in, but the percentage of people who respond to the device doesn't seem very encouraging - I think it's under 20%. I also wouldn't want to go through surgery to get a device implanted and then have it cause and episode of panic and suicidality. Not that it necessarily would, but I haven't had real good luck so far.
As far the the DBS is concerned, I think it would be very difficult to get this, as it is only offered in studies, as far as I know, and getting in those studies is can be quite difficult. I guess we'll see.
BTW, what new medecines are you talking about that are coming out?
poster:Bob
thread:495223
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050521/msgs/500723.html