With that, she began ordering the necessary tests, I was taken off all medications. It was a very hard week, but in my heart, I knew that I was doing the right thing. Finally, about a week later, the procedure was approved by my insurance company. We had to prove to them that I had exhausted all other threatment methods. Soon after that, I received my first treatment. I was extremely nervous, but it went just fine. I was sick for a couple of hours after, due to the anesthesia and I had a migrane headache. I then had four more treatments throughout the next couple of weeks. Which became less uncomfortable.
It has been two weeks now. I feel better than I have in years. In fact, I think I feel better than I ever have. I can now get out of bed and lead a normal life. I have so much motivation. Mentally, I feel sharp and alert. My short-term memory was only temporarily affected. I am writing more, and excelling at everything I do. I now feel able to go out and get a job again.
I just wanted to share my story with anyone else who suffers from a severe mental illness and has lost all hope. Please, keep in mind the option of ECT. It is not nearly as scary as it is made out to be. The risks are very low, and it really works. At least it did for me. Please don't let what you see on the internet scare you. Many times the writers of the information have a hidden agenda. Find the answers for yourself. Do what is right for you, and above all don't lose hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Julie