I have many emotions playing bumper cars today. The music is a great pick, maybe YOUR song. I would say it’s a mashup of good tunes. This is a good night for sitting on porch or in hot tub. Grab the drink of your choice, maybe three and let the music move you. I take suggestions leave in the comments. Thank each of you for standing by me and your prayers.

XO M

https://youtu.be/vKfLiTqIH4Q

Sexual abuse of men and boys need a light focused on the reality. Let’s start talking about, looking out for and don’t be afraid to speak up. Thank you Robert for continuing to Advocate for sexual assault and mental illness.

Survivors Blog Here is breaking out the cupcakes and sparklers. We might even do the Snoopy Dance. Why you ask? We are thrilled to announce Casey Alexander from blog Adoption, caseyalexanderblog.wp.com  has joined our team.

Casey brings you along on her journey of adopting two children, short stories and shares her other  interest. You will laugh and cry when you read the calamities with their house. She has a thirst for knowledge, participating in Blogging 101. Her post are honest, educational and raw. She has a positive attitude :), totally funny and always makes my day.

The Survivors Blog Here team welcomes Casey to the team.

survivorsbloghere.wp.com

:) Melinda

I’ve had 27+ ECT treatments. The treatments are necessary when I hit bottom becoming delusional and suicidal. I hope to shine a light on ECT and dispel the myths. Please keep an open mind, the procedure may save your life. In my experience, a Psychiatric facility associated with a respected hospital is far superior to a chain facility’s. This post is based on the top facility in the area. I will share the experience with the worst in another post.

I’ve had treatment in-house and outpatient. For me, a crisis with suicidal thoughts is best handled in-house with 24-hour care.  I’ll share step-by-step how ECT is handled at UTSW in Dallas.

You arrive and change into a gown, and the RN calls you to the patient area to make sure your meds have not changed. UTSW has strict processes to prevent mistakes. You will be asked your name many times. The RN prepares an IV in your arm which is used for a short-acting anesthesia and muscle relaxer.

When it’s your turn, you walk into a small operating room. There you will see your doctor, several RNs, and an Anesthesiologist You meet everyone, again double checking your ID bracelet. They ask if you have questions. Usually, they are answered by a doctor prior to treatment. The anesthesiologist will ask a couple of questions about allergies.

You lay down in a hospital bed, and your heart is monitored throughout. The doctor is logging the type of ECT. Usually, the ECT machine is right by your head. The RN will take your socks off so your feet can be seen. The movement of the foot tells the doctors you had a seizure.

A tech is next to you with an oxygen mask, being claustrophobic I ask if he’ll wait till the last minute to put it on. The muscle relaxer is inserted in the IV to allow time to work. The doctor will place ECT “head-gear” on. You will also be given a mouthguard. An RN or tech will take the doctor’s instructions on where to place the electrodes.

You will have your armband checked several times. I love the quality process UTSW University has in place. The head RN will ask if everyone is ready to time out. They will run through who the patient is, what type of ECT has and is everyone ready.

The Anesthesiologist injects, and you fall right to sleep. The procedure only takes minutes. When you wake up you have an RN assigned to your recovery They usually juggle a couple of people. You may get some juice for your dry throat. Once all the effects have worn off and the IV removed, you can usually get dressed and walk around so the RN can see you’re ok. You’ll receive follow-up instructions. Sign the release paperwork and the RN will talk to who will drive you home. No driving yourself after ECT.

Typical side effects, jaw hurts from the seizure, may have headaches, and lethargy from meds in IV. It takes significantly longer to get you ready than to perform the treatment.

A couple of notes: there are several positions doctors can use for ECT treatment. I think the most common are Unilateral and Bilateral. I’ve had both and prefer Unilateral. You may have to do more treatments to feel improvement however you don’t lose as much short-term memory.

Bilateral treatment has its benefits, it works faster. You may lose some short-term memory. When I say short-term memory, memories right before treatment and right after.

In the DFW area, UTSW/Zale is where you want to go if having ECT  Out of or staying in-house.

If you have questions please leave in comments.

XO  M