Ok I have been finding out lately that I have some issues and may have transitioned in order to please some. And it may have resulted in my suicidal behavior according to what they said. Anyways it lead to MMECT for a little over a week and post srs they are considering more treatments. Some people say that its a bad thing and I was wonder what everyone thinks about ECT?

That's a though one. Searched for the acronyms and does not look very good. You are not happy with your current gender?

Small question: The GID therapist didn't see anything wrong before allowing transition? I though one of their objectives was to check first if the desire to transition or the dysphoria could be caused by another condition... Unless that other condition goes undetected, of course.

nononononononononononononononononono

I thought we left the 50's a long time ago. Electroshock? WTF?

I don't know who's treating you or what kind of issues you've got, but I can't believe that ECT is still in use nowadays.

Wrong by all means.

Quote from: Elena G on August 26, 2012, 08:50:04 AM
nononononononononononononononononono

I thought we left the 50's a long time ago. Electroshock? WTF?

I don't know who's treating you or what kind of issues you've got, but I can't believe that ECT is still in use nowadays.

Wrong by all means.

Electroshock therapy is still used, but not with the same strength and placement as it was. Today's shock therapy isn't even felt by the patient.

QuoteThe steady growth of antidepressant use along with negative depictions of ECT in the mass media led to a marked decline in the use of ECT during the 1950s to the 1970s. The Surgeon General stated there were problems with electroshock therapy in the initial years before anesthesia was routinely given, and that "these now-antiquated practices contributed to the negative portrayal of ECT in the popular media."[13] The New York Times described the public's negative perception of ECT as being caused mainly by one movie. "For Big Nurse in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, it was a tool of terror, and, in the public mind, shock therapy has retained the tarnished image given it by Ken Kesey's novel: dangerous, inhumane and overused".[14]

A caution for Tristan:

QuoteA few psychiatrists in the USA use multiple-monitored ECT (MMECT) where patients receive more than one treatment per anesthetic.[1] Electroconvulsive therapy is not a required subject in US medical schools and not a required skill in psychiatric residency training. Privileging for ECT practice at institutions is a local option, no national certification standards are established, and no ECT-specific continuing training experiences are required of ECT practitioners.[101]

I'd suggest finding another psychiatrist  ASAP. You always struck me as a woman without any identity issues (based just on what I've read here and seen on YouTube).

*hugs*

ECT, also know as "shock treatments" is something that should only be considered as a last resort, usually for treating longstanding disabling depression that doesn't respond to drug treatment.

The most noticeable effect is memory loss.   Some of it temporary, some of it permanent.

Before psychotropic drug were invented in the 1950's, electroshock was used along with lobotomy.  At that time most people who were hospitalized in mental institutions were never released.

Have you ever seen a bulk tape eraser?  An electromagnet that is used to erase audio or videotapes?  Running an electric current through the brain has a similar effect. 

At the very least it's like hitting the reset button on a computer and re-booting.

I consider it barbaric and unusually cruel.

Of course if you are really suicidal and likely to make multiple attempts your life might be over anyway so there isn't much to lose.
It has saved lives in such circumstances.

Quote from: Tristan on August 26, 2012, 08:26:11 AM
Some people say that its a bad thing and I was wonder what everyone thinks about ECT?

ECT has a really bad stigma and when I hear the word I immediately picture Kirkbride buildings and kicking and screaming patients in straight jackets and ball gags rendered catatonic. It's not like this anymore though and from my understanding it can be quiet beneficial in certain instances. I believe Stephen Fry has received ECT for his manic depression.

I am getting some strong "fear-mongering" vibes here.  Personally I would give ECT a try.  Ask the people who know about the therapy and you will get more informed answers.

(This is not the place to ask.)

Quote from: Noey Noonesson on August 26, 2012, 05:03:31 PM
I am getting some strong "fear-mongering" vibes here.  Personally I would give ECT a try.  Ask the people who know about the therapy and you will get more informed answers.

(This is not the place to ask.)

My thoughts are based on someone apparently giving Tristan the thought that she "transitioned in order to please some", and since MMECT is used to suppress memories/behaviors, I'd suspect that someone (the dr., since he/she has a financial incentive) may be planting those thoughts during the sessions. It's also possible that the dr. is opposed to transsexualism (for whatever reason) and wishes to re-program her, under color of medical science.

To rule that out, simply go to another therapist (who is familiar with MMECT, but does not have a financial incentive to prescribe it) and get a second assessment.

I would be willing to go through the therapy myself, knowing the little that I do know about it.

I'm just saying that this is not the right kind of place to get the answers she is looking for.  I would advise her to talk to her health care professionals to find out what the therapy can do for her.

Killing flies with missiles. Nay, nuclear bombs.

ECT one week after SRS for post-op depression? Have I understood this correctly?

QuoteMs Beth Andrea what do you mean by woman without any identity issues (based just on what I've read here and seen on YouTube).?

I remember seeing a post you made here which had a YT video you'd made...so, me being a semi-pro "stalker" (LOL--just kidding  ) I checked out some of your other videos and read some of your past posts here to get a "feel" for what kind of person you might be. 

You were recommending the surgeon in Mexico for FFS, which is my main interest right now, so I wanted to know whether I should trust your recommendation. I felt you were doing well, and that your opinions should have a bit of weight in my search for FFS. Of course, it wouldn't be a deciding factor, but it would be something I would consider.

Now, as to your "post-op regret", I cannot say. That, like the surgery itself, is an incredibly personal thing and I would not presume to say anything for or against your thoughts on the matter.

But...if the pyschiatrist is recommending MMECT as part of a treatment for post-op regret, I would suggest caution. It takes a year or more to get the letter(s) for SRS, it should take about the same amount of time to accept treatment which may completely change your gender identity. It never hurts to get a second opinion on something, especially if it has potentially serious long-term health impacts.

Anyway...I like your posts and videos. I think you're a good person and you seemed to be very happy with SRS and FFS.

*hugs*

Modern "electro-shock therapy" is nothing at all like what most of us have seen depicted in television and movies.  It is really quite advanced and useful.

Hi Tristan,

I am a nurse working on my nurse practitioner degree - almost done  - in psych. You raise a lot of issues in your post and I admit I am having trouble following what is going on. As fro ECT - it is an effective treatment, although I too believe it is somewhat dated among other things. I Think it is something to be considered as a last resort. Having said that, you are very recently post op - and some of the issues you are going through may be considered part and parcel to that. I think a good therapist and a good psychiatrist, both with experience in transgender/transsexual issues is the first thing you need - and pretty soon.

If you are  or think you could be a danger to yourself or others, the place to be is an inpatient facility.  They can keep you safe while you sort this out.

Good luck.   

Sorry, but what exactly is MMECT?

Quote from: SilentOwls on August 26, 2012, 09:47:30 PM
Sorry, but what exactly is MMECT?

multiple-monitored electroconvulsive therapy