My special place

Thinking of you lots 💓 @Snowie , @Eve7

Hi @tyme

I have ECT in a private clinic/hospital specifically for mental health. It's not like a normal hospital. Doesn't have an emergency department. To go in, a referral is needed from your pdoc/gp.

When you are an inpatient you can do various things. They have TMS, ECT, EMDR, OCD, addictive behaviours, eating disorder and many more. Also have different groups you can go to on various things like art group, understand DBT/CBT and many more. They normally run these groups Mon-Fri. They also have an outreach program you can do. If your pdoc doesn't work there, then you are assigned a podc whilst in there. The times I've been in, I have had the same pdoc everytime.

I have completed ECT as an inpatient before. You normally have it Mon, Wed, Fri, so 3 times per week. For me I have done 12 sessions as an inpatient, so stayed there for 4 weeks.

As an outpatient, you have it less. Some might have it once per week or fortnight, or like me once every 4 weeks.

I normally get in there about 7:15am. They do normal obs (blood pressure, heart rate), give you a wrist band, do a covid test. They then normally ask you if you have any thoughts of SH/SI and are you safe. When I get it done, there are normally between 3-5 outpatients.

They start about 8am, call you in, put you to sleep and then do what they need to do. After that you're brought out to the recovery area, wake up and then get transferred to some recliners and give you a drink/sandwich.

They always do the outpatient's first. Once they are done, they then start doing the inpatients. They will call the unit, ask them to bring down the inpatients and they will have their treatment. Once awake they transfer (by wheelchair) back to their rooms.

You normally stay there for about another 2-2.5 hours. They then remove the needle, take blood pressure/HR again. You have to have someone to pick you up. They have to sign a piece of paper stopping us from driving/signing legal documents, etc for 24hrs.

I think that's it. I hope it answers your questions. (Edited by moderator)

morning @Snowie 😍

Hi dear @Shaz51

Thanks for the thoughts. I hope your day is going well.

Nice and hot here today. The washing is drying quickly!

Hey @Snowie ,

Thanks for explaining in such detail. I was able to 'play' the process in my mind which was so helpful.

Another question, why do they ask if you have SI? If you answer yes, do they not do the treatment?

Also, how are you going today?

It's like a sheet @tyme that they tick off various things.

I don't know what they do, I've never said yes. Most of the time they are just ticking the no in the box before I've even had a chance to say yes.

I shouldn't complain though. All the nurses are very nice and you get looked after really well.

Very tired here today. Watching the tennis, can't really be bothered doing anything.

Hugs @Snowie and sitting with you my sister

from my garden to you xxx

@tyme , @Eve7 , @Bow

Thank you dear @Shaz51

That is a beautiful photo of your plant. Such a nice colour.

I hope today has gone well for you hon 💜💜

Thanks for sharing @Snowie . Makes a lot more sense now.

What are you up to at the moment? How was the tennis?

Hello lovely,

I apologise for my delay. 🫶

How has your week been? I would love to hear your updates.

I hope you have had some wholesome moments with H over the past few days. 🥰