I've just spent over 2 weeks in a mental health unit.

Hi guys,

I finally cracked and pushed until I saw a pdoc at hospital who wanted me admitted straight away. The unit I went to is pretty new and nice and only really had low level of ill people so wasn't bad at all once you get past the initial shock.

All they did though was increase my effexor xr and rivatril (something my private pdoc could have done months ago ). They also gave me a script for Largactil in the liquid form which kicks in within 10 to 15minutes. The tablets were taking 2 hours to kick in.

The new amounts are still building up in my system so while I'm not as bad as last month I'm entering into the hormonal phase (it lasted 14days straight last month) so am really having to repeat positive thoughts to myself endlessly.

My private pdoc told me she was going to send me to an endocryologist and for more detailed blood tests to check if I'm going through an early change or I'm deficient in something then once I was released turned around and said she'll wait to see how I go this month That was part of the reason I agreed to leave the unit before the new year thinking I had to be out for things to start happening and she did this to me.

Anyway I hope all you guys are doing ok? I did put my name down for a volunteer job one morning a week and are determined to ask the grandparents to do some babysitting so I get some time out. I've got to look after myself.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy Xmas.

Thanks Lyn, I'm actually a bit dopey atm as I took a small doze of Largactil for a crying spell that wouldn't stop. When I'm real panicky/ anxious this level of drug just relaxes my mind, maybe for when it's more depression based I'll take a half doze just to stabilise my mood. I also brought some strong B12 vitamins to start to try and help with the mood swings naturally.

I went and saw my GP today and told him this is actually the time I should be in hospital with the moods flucuating crazily etc.

At least he's given my a form to go get my folate acid and B12 plus all the different forms of hormones checked. I just have to wait until Wednesday as everything is now shut for Xmas. He said if there is a hormone problem then he'll send me to an endocryologist which at least makes me feel something is being done to help me.

Fingers crossed this will be my last really bad month as all the drugs should be reaching their full strength next month.

Aussie,

Sorry you have been going through a rough patch. I am however glad that you might be looking at better times.

Good luck and haoppy holidays and New year.

Keeping you in heart ,thoughts and prayers ............
Yu will make it hun I know you wil
Take care
luvs ya
Lyn

Happy holidays
Better yr in 2007

Thanks for all the good thoughts everyone.

hopefulmigrainer..... I was so desperate hospital was my only option. I have private health insurance but because my mental health is pre-existing I still have just under 10months before I can access the private system.

I've heard from many that our local private hospital is beautiful, you're given a one on one therapist and do group sessions morning and afternoons, they have a huge arts area and some sports. The usual treatment starts at 3 weeks with them and costs at least $15,000.

I had to go public, first I had to go through a nasty woman at our crisis team who tried to talk me out of going to hospital but I wasn't backing down. I knew how sick I was, she wasn't the one living with it. I then had to go to our bigger public hospital and the pdoc there admitted me straight away as he could see I needed help. I spent my first night in the ER with mental health nurses there for me. The next day they found a bed for me in a fairly new unit with low level patients. I think thats what made it easier. A few of the patients there had the same problem as me pdocs stuffing their meds up and we were there to sort things out.

There was 2 doctors on the ward, one who seemed to see his patients regulary and take his time. The other the one I had I must have seen 4 times the longest for 10minutes the shortest for about 2minutes.
Basically you were meant to tell the nurses the things that were happening but at the same time they weren't counscellors, they then wrote it in your notes for the doctors to look at. There was also a social worker.

The unit I went to was meant to be short term, a place to look at meds and allow you time to rest and think. I found talking to the other patients helpful as well.

If I had been sent to another unit I don't know if I would have lasted, I guess it all depends on the unit you go to and the staff you get. Unfortuently like a lot of things in life, money talks.

Also expect to feel like a criminal when you first arrive, it's not so much because of you but also for the other patients safety. They go through your bags, have you escorted by security and remove or lock up razors etc, you have to ask for them when you want to shave your legs. Same as piccies if you take one in a frame the glass has to be removed. I dyed my hair in there because I was getting better but made sure I handed all the containers to the nurses to dispose of any extra chemicals....little things like that.

If you feel you really need to go to hospital I'd say do it, you've got nothing else to lose and I found I felt safe there, even when having really bad thoughts at the beginning.

I'm so sorry Aussie... *HUGS*

I hope you're getting better dear....

We're all here for you!!! I hope you have a happy holidays :) let us know how you're doing

Twiggygal~