Following Up

So every once in a while on this blog I will mention something that I might follow up on, continue later, get back to, etc. Typically in these situations I am in the middle of explaining something or want to elaborate/discuss something and for one reason or another I end up ending the blog instead. Last night is an example of this - it was late and while I had more that I wanted to say, I also wanted to get in bed like no other. Thus my blogs end up looking like Arrested Developments 'Next time on Arrested Development' segments without the humor or intelligence.

Anyway, yesterday thanks to my aunt I was able to sit in one 3 ECT procedures. If you do not know what ECT stands for then let me tell you. ECT stands for Electroconvulsive Therapy, better known as Electro-shock therapy. Most people are only familiar with the procedure from its pop-portrayals in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest or the more modern but no friendlier Requiem For A Dream. ECT is when your brain is shocked as a form of treatment.

After a conversation about my feelings on the procedure my aunt decided I needed to sit in on a procedure in order to better assess it. I was told that it is not the violents procedure we see and it is extremely effective. Coming out of the procedure I will say that my views partially changed - no it is not as violent (most of the time) as it appears to be in movies. The patient is knocked out for the procedure and most of them show now visible signs of seizure other than a twitching foot.

It is, however, still barbaric to me in what it is. While I will acknowledge that it is effective and that especially in major depressive patients who are basically catatonic from the depression no other treatment is as effective and with such little side effects (medicine cannot claim either of these), it still does not make it great. Its the arguments that just because its the best thing that exists does not mean its good, it only means we have nothing better - yet.

ECT is literally electrocuting an individuals brain in order to induce a seizure. I learned that the seizure, and not the electro-shock is what actually creates a treatment effect. Doctors discovered this when looking at epileptic patients who were depressed. These patients were found to be in much better states following a seizure. As with most discoveries, no one was looking or assumed this would have an effect.

Yesterday was also my only trip to the diner and luckily it was a really solid trip. Nothing like sitting down with people on your last night home, having a cup (or 5) of coffee and just shooting the breeze for a few hours about nothing. I wish I had gotten to go more - but this trip did not disappoint.

My last note I had said last night was 'more on where i am in life right now'. I am not sure what was on my mind at the time to elicit that but as of right now I have nothing to elaborate on in that area.

Moved back to NY today and settled in. Played a game called Wizard which is a bit complicated initially but is really a great card game. Record player works and I listened to two vinyls already.

2 more football games tomorrow. Colts are through to the next, though, so I can watch in a more relaxed manner.

Talk to you later.