Scamper61 asked this question on 4/12/2000:

I had a liver transplant 1-6-99. I have been very depressed which is causing me to feel sick. My doctors are talking about shock treatment to get rid of the depression. I want to know if it works and how I wood feel afterwords.

If you can tell me this I would be very greatful. Please E-Mail me at Scamper61@aol.com Thank you

42day gave this response on 5/15/2000:

Dear Scamper61, In the past 4 weeks, I underwent ECT for depression. I had been under a doctor's care for over 6 years, and tried many, many medications. For me, ECT was the last resort. I am happy to report that I now feel better than I have in years. The procedure was rather simple - I was given an IV and sedated while electrodes were placed on my scalp. Other electrodes were attached to my body to monitor heart rate, etc. The actual time of the treatment is very, very short. Seconds in fact. On awakening, I had no problems, though I understand it is not uncommon to have a headache. I did have problems with short term memory though. I am currently out of work so it was not much of a problem. I did things like buying sugar twice because I forgot that I already bought it. I found making lots of notes of things to do helped. The final results have been absolutely amazing. I began to feel better after only a couple of treatments, and now feel truly alive. I would not hesitate to undergo the procedure again if my depression ever sinks to the depths it was then. Also, my intake of drugs has been greatly reduced. I had to take a variety of medications - 9 pills daily in all - and am now down to just 2 mood elevators. This, for me, has been a bonus blessing. I wish you the very best. Making the decision was the hardest part. 42day