I had ECT in 2006 and since then I have had nothing but trouble with work and daily routines. I had a phycological testing done with my psychiatrist---got the results back and they confirm everything. My cognitive and verbal were under normal. The other questions asked also came back under normal. I am so angry because I have been so frustrated fro the past 1 1/2. I knew something was not right after ECT. I don't know where to go from here. I am in a job I really like but I have had trouble learning and remembering tasks...I am on a warning right now and I am very scared. Where do i go from here?

I am sorry lulu,
They must have not told you of the side effects from ect....
we have a couple of posters here who have gone thru with the treatments due to severe depression and have had bad results too.
Maybe she will come along to share her story with you.
I have a terrible memory probably from years of medication use...I do't know for sure.
I use a planner and write everything down.
they say that doing crossword puzzles help...
what are your strategies? hOw do you cope with all of this...I know how it feels to be writen up....awful and made me paranoid.
bizi

Dear Lulu,
That memory stuff stinks.

How is your depression? Did the ECT help?

Mari

If this problem is severe and interferring with your life (and it does sound like it is with what you said about your job) I would talk with your doctor about whether or not you would be a candidate to take a small amount of a second medication to boost your memory. Two that come to mind would be Ritalin or Aricept. Bipolar patients often can not take Ritalin, but Aricept would be a good possibility.

In addition, make sure you are getting your vitamins. The B vitamins and Fish Oil are two supplements said to help with memory. If you are not taking any vitamins at all, you might want to consider taking a multi vitamin/mineral supplement, a B50 tablet, extra B12 and extra Fish Oil.

Be sure to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, get in a little exercise, use a planner to help keep track of things, etc.

Also, check out these foods:
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/slides...wnl_day_100108

IMHO:
You have every right to be upset that you were not told about these side effects. You have every right to do what you can to feel better and get your memory in a better place. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor for his or her help and don't hesitate to do what you can on your own to feel better.

Wishing you well.

I'm sorry Lulu that you weren't aware of the side effects. But if you're like me, they told you but you don't remember. Anything around the six months before and after is a blur. I wish I remembered what they had said but I was so desperate I'd do anything. I can't read a page without forgetting what I read. I used to be able to put a book down and read it a few days later but now I can't because I don't remember what I read. I get lost constantly and just can't seem to focus enough to get from point A to point B, even with my GPS.

I'm taking omega 3 fish oil and B12 in addition to my other supplements. I don't know if it's working but I'm trying it.

I know how frustrating this is and I hope that you are able to get things sorted out at your job.

I had ECT 4 years ago and have the same problems. I've since gone back to college and I'm not that far away from my Bachelor's but I have to work a lot harder than most students. Writing things down over and over helps me to remember.