Just wanted to check back in and offer my sincere thanks again. It’s still really difficult, but I’m in “hang on” mode. I’ll definitely update y’all Monday. You guys are my rock and I appreciate all the things (support, help and friendship) you do for me more than y’all will ever know. Going to bed now and hopefully things will start to improve now that I’ve got a plan of action mapped out. Night.
good luck! I had one of those roller-coaster days where I woke up feeling pretty vibrant and by 3 was in a pretty big depression. And now I’m feeling pretty good again. I wish I could explain those things…
I hope that they find some answers for you.
Hey faithfool
Sorry you’re going through this. I am here too and wishing you all the best.
You are so right about our Doper friends being ROCKS, and I too have learned that whenever I need a shoulder or a hug, that this is the place to get both.
I am subscribed to your thread, and look forward to hearing from you, Kem.
Your pal
Quasi
I know you said you’ll update Monday, but I hope you’re keeping an eye on the dope honey.
Here’s hoping everything’s going well for you now. I’ll be looking out for your post after the weekend.
Big (slightly sweaty ;)) love from Down Undah!
I’m not sure if this i what you’re looking for, but be comfortable. I always bring my own pillow when I get admittted. Maybe a special quilt, or a stuffed animal if you have something that has sigificance to you. Bring some comfy clothes…depending on the hospital, some are better than others about enforcing the gowns. If nothing else, a pair or small shorts so your butt’s not hanging out the back of a gown 
Your favorite lotion or perfume, your toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, etc. Yeah, hospitals will give you the trial sizes, but it’s never the good stuff. Books, magazines, the novel you always meant to write. A lot of hospitals have wifi connections, so bring a laptop, and work on getting better
{{{faithfool}}}
Ditto on that general Doper perception of you as stable and sane and someone to look forward to reading.
As for suggestions: Last week I was in the hospital for medical crap (so this may or may not be applicable for you) and the two things I had with me that helped my mental state the most were: an iPod with birdsong-in-forest recordings (because hospitals are ridiculously noise-polluted, and birdsong covers all the frickin’ BEEPing machines without having to be cranked up too loud) and my favorite lotion with my favorite perfume in it (because hospitals don’t smell all that great, either).
When you’re in for psych reasons, is the part of the hospital where they put you disruptive like that? I would have thought it would have to be calmer, but your description of the hellish admittance through the ER and the cop car and all that makes me wonder. It seems so basic… I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I’m so sorry our health system hasn’t got this sort of thing figured out yet.
Faithfool-
You don’t know me at all but I want you to know that I wish you the very best. I hope you will finally get the help you need with this new doctor. Please let us know how you are doing when you can.
Keep your chin up, kiddo.
On second thought, you don’t have to do even that if you don’t want to.
Feel the warmth of our love and support on your back.
Just wanted to check back in before tomorrow and tell everyone again how grateful I am for all the help. My husband has been keeping up with things for me and he’s been faithful in bringing in cards and reading aloud emails. Hopefully after my appointment, I’ll be able to update you guys on what’s next. But until then, please know this all has meant the world to me and I haven’t forgotten anyone that I’ve not written back to of late. You guys are the best.
Good people attract good people, faithfool.
I thank you for your kindness to** me **in the past, and I wish only the best for you.
Gute und schnelle Besserung!
(A good and speedy recovery!)
Bill
Good luck today!
Hi kemi,
I’m pretty sure you don’t know me, but I remembered your name and you ARE one of the good ones.
Wishing you all the best. ((((many hugs))))
Faithfool, you probably don’t know me either, but I would like to add my support in your time of need.
{{faithfool}}
Godspeed
Been there done that and keeping my fingers crossed. PM me if you ever want to talk.
I hope you’re feeling better today!!!
Extending a hand to help lift you up – I
I love you all. And now I’m off to the doctor… < fingers crossed >
I just wanted to send healing vibes and don’t forget your teddy bear
So here’s what happened:
Jaceson goes with me to see the new doctor. I unfold long and frustrating psych history and he elaborates on answers that I’m not complete enough. 'Cause I’m a nervous wreck, dontcha know. I ask about further formalizing my previous diagnosies. She runs down a newer list of medications that I haven’t tried and suggests that some I have (like Lithium) haven’t been used to optimal strength.
We confer on whether or not in-patient treatment is the way to go yet. She recommends extensive out-patient here in the beginning, in lieu of starting more therapy. Although “in the beginning” has to be tempered with “when the drugs initially kick in.” :rolleyes: Then there’s discussion on trying the more radical approach via ECT. I tell her I’m finally to the point that I’ll give it a shot, but that my last psychiatrist had argued against it. We agree to put that on the back burner for the moment.
Plus, I got some literature on the current stuff she’s prescribed me (Abilify), an order to have a psychologist do personality, etc. (something else – I forget what it’s called – to truly pinpoint if I really have what all they think I have) testing, some samples, a reassurance that when my agoraphobia is full-tilt that I can conduct my session over the phone (thanks again Jill!) and some talk about which hospitals are best (the one we’d chosen apparently isn’t) and if a support group might be in the works (it’s not on a mental health issue level, but I could always seek out just a plain ol’ 12 step program if I wish).
So I think that covers everything for now. I’ll have to start going through the therapists again to find someone near by enough and wait to see how the Abilfy is doing. Beyond that, I won’t see her again for a bit, but I think I have plenty of other stuff to focus on in the interim. Again, I want to thank everyone for all the help, love and support. The cards have been a wonderful and within the next day or so, I hope to get back in touch with all those who also sent emails and PMs. Perhaps I’ll even feel like posting some.
Thank you everyone. Each of you are an angel.
Friends always,
Kemi~
It sounds like it was a fruitful and productive meeting. Yay! I hope the Abilify works for you and you start feeling some relief soon!
Hugs and warm wishes,
Jill
I’m really glad the appointment went well, and I hope the Abilify starts working for you, too. Here’s hoping things get much better really soon for you!
Best wishes!