Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[perseverer]

As my school had a holiday for All Saints Day I was able to accompany my eldest son to his psychiatric appointment. He has been in and out of psychosis several times a week, and very anxious and depressed. His anti-depressant had been increased and for weeks with no improvement we have been fed the line that these medications can take several weeks to kick in.

The psychiatrist said he had been reviewing my son's file and had discovered that the anti-psychotic (which he takes by injection) needs to proceed a meal of a certain energy value that is impossible for him to consume in one sitting due to having had gastric bypass surgery.  So the doctor changed his medication and added that it should help with the depression too.

Perhaps he is manic, but in just two days there has been a dramatic difference for the better. He is able to concentrate, he is motivated, he has been socialising, exercising and seems bright and chirpy. 

Now for the gripe. My son's gastric bypass surgery was four months ago and I cannot help but note the difference in the level of care and scrutiny between the psychiatric profession and the bariatric surgeons. Every aspect of my son's health was reviewed before surgery and as he had a sleep apnea he had to have two visits to the sleep clinic and be fitted with a CPAP machine which made an enormous difference to his ability to sleep, so vitally important to MI sufferers. I have mentioned the sleep apnea and even requested diagnosis at the sleep clinic to my son's former psychiatrist with no esulting action at all. Even the slightest problem was encouraged to be reported to the bariatric surgeon and although my son had some complications, they were all speedily resolved. Yet how often even significant problems are dismissed in the MH system. 

Four flaming months with full knowledge of my son's bariatric surgery and they have only just now worked out  that he might still be psychotic because the medication he was on had to be taken with meals of a certain energy value that is impossible for my son to consume in one sitting. 

[Appleblossom]

Sorry to hear that the pdocs were not on top of their game.

Glad the med change had some positive effect for your son. 

 @perseverer @perseverer

[Former-Member]

hello @perseverer

firstly am very pleased to hear that there is a good outcome for your son therefore enabling you to feel some relief...I realise that total relief is nigh impossible at this stage at least...medicine has a long way to go to catch up with mental health..

this relief cannot be compared to anything as you have been working so hard to find answers and improvement in your son's life and your's..

I do not expect you to read my story ....I just want you to know that I know how a parent's love has no boundaries despite everything that we are told as far as looking after ourselves.

I honour you in your journey with your son...

there are many in this situation who do not speak up...who are worn down...who just carry on..

so thank you for being an ambassador for change and speaking up in a world where people are intimidated by authority and systems.

If you don't mind  I would love for you to tag me when you post. I am not in the same situation as you...however I will never give up on my son...

I have realised the hard way that we must look after ourselves...yes sounds hollow...is true though..

thank you so much for writing your story...you have helped me and I have no doubt others as well as countless parents..family members...friends..associates...in the future

[Former-Member]

So frustrating @perseverer
I had one pdoc refer Mr D back to GP to see about a couple of concerns that were clearly side effects of psych meds, was not impressed.

[Former-Member]

Hello @perseverer

how are you and your son?

[perseverer]

Hello @Former-Member, and sorry I am so late in replying to you. It is a busy time for teachers with reports and whole school testing, excursions etc so I have been even more flat out that usual. I am happy to report that my son seems to be doing much better on his new medication. This one dissolves under the tongue and completely bypasses the digestive system, which is necessary because he had gastric bypass surgery four months ago. At first I thought he might be manic, but no. He is just a whole heap better, brighter, more motivated, better able to concentrate. He has even been applying for jobs, something he has not done for 8 years. It is only early stages, but fingers crossed. My husband, on the other hand, has been psychotic, paranoid and hallucinating. He is also in denial and has not consulted a medical opinion. At least I got him to agree that if there were three more weird incidents he would see a psychiatrist. I am ok. I went out with my husband into bushland reserve areas to go birding and got abandoned - twice. The upshot was I got lost. I was very humiliated. But my husband saw a policeman and in his paranoia panicked, turned and fled, and as I was walking in front I didn't see him go. So now I feel that it is too dangerous for me to go out with my husband.  Anyhow, how are you? Any news of your son?

[Former-Member]

hello @perseverer

Sounds very promising re your son...correct medication and dosage makes all the difference sometimes..

so pleased that you have hope and have your loving son more himself..

I am not best at moment..so not writing much

My last post a few days ago on "lost only method I had in tracking my son"

is where I got to...

slowly climbing back up. .. me time

keep in touch when you can

[Former-Member]

@perseverer
So sorry that you feel you are now not able to go out birding with your husband. Living grief.

[Former-Member]

thinking of you @perseverer

understand a very busy time of year all round

hoping that things are a little more settled also for your precious son and husband...

no rush to reply..when and if you want to...

take care

[Former-Member]

@Peseverer
How are hubby and sons going now?