does shock therapy cause problems later in life ? i had about 24 sessions.?

Question

like do you get chronic headaches, toothaches

Answer 1

http://antipsychiatry.org
Sorry to hear about that. I am being given injections for a problem I don't have. Psychiatrists tortured me.

Answer 2

Shock therapy or Electroconvulsive Shock Treatments are generally given to persons that have not responded to drug therapy or talk therapy. You did not mention what your particular problem is. Were these given on an inpatient level. To explain what happens- the patient is given general anesthesia-put to sleep, the patient is given a muscle relaxant, and a bite block is placed in the person's mouth to prevent him from biting his tongue. Electrodes are placed on specific places around the head and or neck. The muscle relaxant prevents the patient from thrashing around and possibly injuring himself during the induced grand mal seizure. The doctor can tell if the patient is experiencing a seizure by watching the large toes. This sounds strange but the big toe will curl. During this procedure your airway is kept open, oxygen is usually given, and your heart and breathing is monitored at all times. When you experience the seizure, the neurons fire off in the brain causing certain chemicals to be released. Most of the time this treatment is very helpful. 24 sessions sound about right. Sometimes if you are discharged from a hospital, the doctor may want you to have what is called maintainence treatments. When and how often depends on you and your doctor. Side effects/immediate side effects include a really bad headache, you can have pain in your jaw, short-term memory loss is also noted and the ability to retain information right after treatment may not be easy. Occasionally long term memory occurs and it feels frustrating so you really need to discuss all these things with your doctor. If your headaches bad after a treatment, you can and should ask for pain medication. Usually an injection of Demerol will help. Try to rest afterwards and take liquids slowly because you may feel like you're going to throw up. There is medication that can be injected with the demerol called vistaril or phenergan, because sometimes the demerol alone may make you feel like throwing up. I would highly suggest that you keep a journal of your experiences with this type of therapy and how you react. There is unfavorable stigma when some people hear of this treatment but it is not as barbaric as they may believe. Your doctor may also continue with antidepressants or whatever medication he feels you need. Please be a part of deciding your plan of treatment and decide after considering all options.

Answer 3

Hello!
When I was an inpatient, some in my group were getting est, they all complained about headaches after the treatment. I didn't know that they were going to be long lasting. 24 seems extreme though, I wish you had written what you were getting them for.
The only thing I know for sure, as I heard in the hospital, was memory loss as a long term problem.
I didn't hear anything about toothaches, but after so many treatments, it doesn't surprise me.
I hope you don't have to have any more of these.
I wish you the best! :)