Posts by Nicole Barrett76

Harold Anderson3 said:I’ve actually been using Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) for five years now, and before that, I spent seven years on Risperdal Consta (risperidone). Even though you hear people arguing about whether there's a functional difference between the injection version and the pill version of the same medication, I personally haven't noticed any real distinction. For me, it really just comes down to convenience. If you have the ability to visit your primary care doctor once a month or every couple of months without much trouble, and if you aren't particularly afraid of needles, I’d say go with the injection; it provides such a steady level in your system, and you don't have to worry about the whole "did I remember to take my pill today?" stress. That said, there is one downside: the shot can be pretty painful, especially if the nurse isn't particularly skilled at administering it (and we all know those types exist). I actually went in for my injection this past Monday, and the spot is still feeling quite sore because the nurse pushed the dose into my muscle a little too quickly. I haven't really had an experience like that before, so I'm not sure if she was just in a rush or what.🤷 Next time, I'll make sure to ask her to be a bit more gentle.

For a long time, I had to receive injections into deep muscle tissue, and the injection site would remain painful for three or four days. Since the medication was an oil-based preparation, it was quite difficult to depress the dose. (The medication is not a psychotropic drug.) Now, I wouldn't dare ask for one because, given the current situation with Coron, medical staff seem to be making mistakes more frequently. My local clinic is everywhere, yet they only staff half-time at the local community health center which serves about 1,500 people. I am not afraid of needles; I have been receiving them due to my own health issues since I was three or four years old. I am 47 now.

A friend of mine with schizophrenia takes an antipsychotic via injection. It costs $600. I believe my doctor mentioned the name, but I have forgotten it. Perhaps it is the one you are discussing.

Robert Torres2 said:Hey there. My aunt has schizophrenia. She’s 65 and living alone. Her ex-husband usually helps her out, but he’s starting a new family and moving away, so he won't be able to look after her anymore. Things have gotten pretty intense—she actually attacked him with a knife a few months back, and she’s constantly getting into trouble. She’s already been declared legally incompetent. Honestly, social services aren't doing much to help; they're just hoping the ex-husband stays responsible, but he's leaving soon. She deserves a life, but my mom can't step in because she's elderly and struggles even to walk, so we really need an alternative. Does anyone know of any specialized care facilities for people in her situation? What’s the move here? It's just not safe for her to live alone or rely on one person, especially since she gets violent and loses touch with reality.
I'd love some advice. Please help.

There are group homes designed specifically for individuals with schizophrenia who cannot function in a standard environment; these facilities typically have a small staff of six to eight people who manage their daily needs and organize their lives.

However, it sounds as though this cousin might ultimately need to enter a formal institution to remain medicated, or perhaps transition into one of those specialized group homes I mentioned earlier, but if the behavioral issues persist, unfortunately the only viable option left would be long-term placement at a psychiatric hospital.

darksurfer4 said:Hey Nicole Barrett76, how have you been? Are you working, or are you still dealing with those health issues? Any plans to head down to Washington, D.C.?

I am doing alright. I am not currently working.

I rarely travel to Washington, D.C. nowadays. I only head that way when I absolutely have to attend medical checkups, which happens maybe once or twice a year. Honestly, I haven't felt much reason to visit since my sister, who used to live in Washington, D.C., moved away to work in Germany.

For those of us living with severe visual impairments or total blindness, we represent one of the most difficult categories of people with disabilities to employ. Out of every hundred of us, only six actually hold jobs. It wouldn't even be that number if the European Union hadn't pressured our government to finally address the issue. Before we joined the European Union, our employment rate was a mere two percent.

I secured my disability benefits a long time ago; frankly, if I hadn't, I fear I might have done something desperate, either against myself or someone else. I receive $500.

It gives me chills just thinking about how Carol Barrett2 managed to get her income sorted out starting from only 75 miles.

Generally speaking, I believe an individual in America can only live a decent life on $3,000-$$1167, and that is assuming they aren't burdened by any credit card debt or loans.

A friend of mine mentioned she married a widower whose wife passed away years ago, and apparently, his daughter has been diagnosed with acute psychosis. However, she’s living in constant fear that this might actually be a precursor to schizophrenia.

She says the girl believes some TV host—I can't recall who—is making segments about her on national television, claiming her college degree is worthless because she's spent her life lying to everyone. She’s experiencing auditory hallucinations, strange and uncomfortable physical sensations all over her body, and seeing things that simply aren't there.

The poor girl is barely in her twenties. She has her entire life ahead of her, yet she's been struck down by this illness. Can we truly hope that it remains "only" an acute psychotic disorder?

driftingpuma28 said:My parents blindly trust every single thing the psychiatrist says. I’m skeptical—honestly. It bothers me that they don't actually spend any real time with me; every session feels rushed, lasting barely ten minutes. He just writes prescriptions and moves on... he doesn't seem to care about how I'm actually feeling.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to manage this illness?

And yeah, the weight is the hardest part—it feels like it could eventually hit a really serious number.

I've got an appointment with a new psychiatrist scheduled for June 6, 2021.

In my opinion, would it not be most beneficial for you to seek inpatient care or perhaps enroll in a day hospital program to ensure a swifter and more precise adjustment of your medication dosage and type?

driftingpuma28 said:I'm using Google translate.
I'm not from America.

It’s like I don't even have free movement in my eyes or face. Everything feels frozen...

In English, this specific phenomenon is referred to as "extrapyramidal side effects." Just copy and paste what I've bolded, including the quotation marks, into Google to find more detailed information.

Did your psychiatrist perhaps suggest taking B-complex vitamins to help mitigate these symptoms, and if so, in what dosage? Are you planning to work with them to adjust your medication, or might you consider returning to the hospital to determine which medications suit your needs best?

Your use of gendered pronouns keeps shifting back and forth. However, I find myself truly perplexed by this specific section you quoted below:

driftingpuma28 said:Hi everyone. I'm 32 years old and just wanted to share my experience here.
My psychosis symptoms started back in 2014. It was terrifying. We caught it early, but the doctors never actually sat me down to explain what I was dealing with personally. They just kept calling me in to take more meds. I've cycled through so many different prescriptions—Abilify, Seroquel... now I'm on Aripiprazole and Haldol.
Because of all this, I went from 112 lbs to 170 lbs. You can imagine how much that changes a person. I feel helpless—unfulfilled, honestly. I don't have a life, a career, or most of the things a young person should have. I mean, I try to live a normal life, but I feel like a bit of a failure.
It’s the same with my nighttime pills—I wake up feeling completely stiff. My circulation is terrible. It's like I can't feel my muscles or even my organs. Then there's the "mask" my face takes on because of the medication.

My psychiatrist tells me I'm doing fine. That I don't need to change anything. I don't see it that way. I don't feel happy enough. I think the psychosis and hallucinations are gone, but now I'm just left with the weight gain. Imagine being handed Haldol—it's such an old-school drug. I don't know what to do. It's been nine years since I first started putting antipsychotics into my body. I don't even know if I'll ever be ready to have children, or if I even can...

On top of everything, I have this persistent cough. Even before COVID, even before I ever picked up a cigarette. I've done countless allergy tests, and every swab comes back negative for illness.

Help!

What exactly are you trying to convey with that particular sentence?

How can a psychiatrist possibly claim you are doing fine when you are still experiencing those nighttime symptoms you described in your post?

And I have a broader question for those living with schizophrenia... don't you think it is high time we phased out Haldol, given how outdated it has become? If I recall correctly, it was developed way back in the sixties. It worked for about two-thirds of patients, which allowed them to finally leave psychiatric hospitals behind.

Since then, there has been a continuous effort to develop newer antipsychotics so that as many patients as possible can lead normal lives without being stuck in permanent institutional care.

In celebration of Harold Anderson3's new job, I am sharing this upbeat song—actually a traditional folk dance—even though it happens to be in Georgian. Isn't the choreography just breathtaking, with such a rapid tempo that makes it quite a challenge for even the most seasoned singers?

Rachuli (The Dance from Rača)

Francika, if you are planning to work in the States, you should know that you have every right to withhold information regarding your medical history, provided that your condition doesn't interfere with the specific duties of your role. For instance, if you were operating heavy machinery or driving vehicles (though I sincerely hope that isn't the case), disclosure might be different. As I understand it, you are heading to Austria, which is certainly a well-organized country.

If you find that you cannot secure the assistance you need through this forum, perhaps you could reach out to those you encountered during your time at the psychiatric clinic. Is it possible that one of them is currently taking Ziprasidone and might be able to help you source an extra box of medication?

mellowskipper said:No psychiatrist in their right mind would agree to this, nor would they ever swap out an antipsychotic for vitamins, minerals, and Omega.

Sent from my PRA-LX1 using Reddit

But isn't the point actually to supplement the treatment rather than replace it entirely? The goal here is to see if incorporating these specific nutrients might allow for a slight reduction in the necessary dosage of antipsychotics.

It just occurred to me that such a regimen calls for a staggering 25 grams of pure EPA/DHA, which would undoubtedly be prohibitively expensive for most people. Still, shouldn't one at least attempt the other nutritional adjustments I mentioned?

I read the data regarding this quite some time ago in the book life in the Omega RX zone, so I don't have a direct link to provide. However, would any of you happen to have access to Scribd and perhaps be able to download it for me?

Harold Anderson3 said:Just thought I’d bump this thread back up to the top.
I’ve been stuck in this sort of heavy lethargy lately—feeling pretty depressed, too—and honestly, it feels like even my 50 mg dose of Seroquel at night is just way too much for me right now. I think I’m going to drop down to 25 mg for a few days just to see if I can find a little spark of life again. I'm not dealing with any psychotic symptoms, but then again, there isn't much "life" left to speak of either. I’m sleeping about 12 hours a day, and even during those other 12 hours, I just feel completely exhausted. It's like being a dead man walking. I really don't think being a zombie is the point of treating schizophrenia with antipsychotics.

Is there any way for those of us living with schizophrenia to access experimental alternative therapies based on dietary supplements through some kind of advocacy group or non-profit?

I am specifically thinking about B-complex vitamins, Vitamin C, EPA/DHA fatty acids, and zinc (to facilitate successful methylation, which allows for the effective integration of B-complex vitamins into other substances).

For instance, imagine using a B-complex where each capsule contains 200mg of the primary vitamins. If one were to take eight such capsules, they would receive 1600mg each of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, combined with 1500mg of riboflavin and 3000mg of sodium ascorbate powder (a non-acidic form of Vitamin C chemically bonded with sodium).

Now... one can't help but shudder when looking at the cost of such a regimen, but then again, certain antipsychotics can run you three thousand dollars. Wouldn't it be more logical to attempt the aforementioned nutritional therapy first, and then, working closely with psychiatrists, gradually taper off the antipsychotic dosage?

Perhaps even psychiatrists might be open to this if they could see that patients are consistently receiving the necessary levels of these nutrients and adhering to the regimen regularly.

Such high doses of B vitamins naturally boost energy levels; imagine how much more vitality we would have—and how much less we would need to sleep—if we could reduce our antipsychotic doses by even a third or a quarter.

steelskipper9 said:Hello there, my dear fellow travelers! :-)
I have a quick question for the group. About a year and a half ago, I started taking an antipsychotic, and since then, I’ve noticed a significant drop in my libido. I'm 46—not in menopause yet, and I don't currently have a partner—but regardless, I'd really love to move past this side effect. My doctor is a good man, truly, but he has such a strict, authoritative presence that I find it difficult to even bring up a complaint. Are any of you dealing with this too? Specifically, I'm wondering about women who might be experiencing this but aren't necessarily speaking up about it. From what I've been reading, this could be linked to hyperprolactinemia—which isn't something I can see outwardly, but they seem connected. And, theoretically, that can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. Now, I actually feel quite good on the medication itself. It almost feels like when you're on antipsychotics, you just have to accept certain side effects and learn to live with them—since every single medication comes with its own set of baggage. You just decide which trade-offs are worth it. Still, it's been weighing on my mind.

Please, do not hesitate to speak up about this specific side effect, for how can one truly flourish when such a fundamental aspect of life is diminished? Over the long term, this lack of desire can severely impact your overall quality of life and lead to mounting frustration. Is it not his duty to listen intently to your concerns and work alongside you to find a solution? While the medication might mean your libido won't return to its former peak, suffering a total absence of desire is simply unacceptable.

Perhaps you feel a sense of embarrassment because he is a man, but should you really allow that hesitation to stand in the way of your well-being?

Too many conditions are being lumped together under the umbrella of schizophrenia, which leads me to believe that autism shouldn't be categorized alongside it. Don't you think it's time we re-evaluated how illnesses under the F20.XX classification are organized?

The French psychiatric school used to treat paranoia as its own distinct entity, separate from schizophrenia.

On another note... is anyone here currently taking the hypnotic Mirtazapine? My psychiatrist prescribed it to me, and I have to admit, I'm feeling a bit apprehensive about it. I was on Trittico for a month, and I experienced excessive salivation at night followed by intense dryness in the morning—something that never happened before I started the Trittico. I was taking doses between 25-50mg, though the tablets come in 75mg; they even make 150mg versions, but I haven't tried those yet.

And let’s not forget that Trittico comes with quite an extensive list of potential side effects. It functions primarily as an antidepressant, though it acts as a hypnotic when administered in lower doses.

I find myself feeling quite forgetful and unable to concentrate since I started the Trittico.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:I completely agree that you should never reduce or change your medication without consulting your psychiatrist first. If things feel off, the best thing to do is state it clearly to your doctor; they can assess the situation and determine the next steps. Sometimes, a specific regimen just isn't the right fit. In my case, it took years to finally find some balance in my therapy.

I am currently on Wellbutrin 300mg, Rivotril 2mg, and I was prescribed Duloxetine due to worsening depression. I'm also taking Norvasc and, unfortunately, Prazina as well.
To be honest, I’m not even sure if the Duloxetine is doing anything. As for the Prazina, it feels like a necessary evil, but it's what it is.
Wellbutrin is really the only thing keeping me afloat right now.
I remember being on Lexapro, Haldol, and all sorts of other things back in the day.
Everything became much clearer once they discovered lesions in my brain. They are located in the area responsible for schizophrenia, affecting my thought processes, emotions, motor skills, and vision...
Since then, my treatment has been neurological. And let me tell you, the psychiatric meds I used to take seem like child's play compared to these neurological treatments and undergoing hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is the worst feeling imaginable—both mentally and physically. You feel completely drained, nauseous, and utterly exhausted, to the point where you just want it all to end. Unfortunately, once that phase passes, you know you have to go through it all over again later.

So now, I’m dealing with an anxiety and depressive disorder, which seems minor compared to what you all are facing.
But I do understand how you feel because I’ve been in that stage myself.
Regardless, I’m not giving up. No matter how hard it gets, I keep pushing toward my goals.

About twelve years ago, I took Prazina at a 25 mg dose for a short period, but I refused to continue because it falls under the category of antipsychotics, even though a 100 mg dose is typically used to manage psychosis.

How are you doing, Rebecca Rivera3 and the rest of the crew?!?!?! Surely you haven't been hospitalized again, have you??? On January 16th, I witnessed the single most stressful sight of my entire life, and I am still grappling with the aftermath of that trauma. I walked in to find my aunt—my mother's sister—dead, alongside a young neighbor; my heart truly breaks for her, as she was forced to witness that horrific scene too, and she is barely twenty.

Why would my psychiatrist prescribe me Normabel at 10 mg and Trittico—of which I take just one-third of a 75 mg tablet? It is technically an antidepressant, yet in such small amounts, it functions primarily as a sleep aid. When I read the prescribing information and saw how many side effects it could potentially trigger across various bodily systems, I felt a surge of anxiety, but ultimately, I decided it was better to try this route, especially since it is a benzofuran and I am far too prone to developing a dependency on benzodiazepines. In fact, I spent quite a long time relying on Sanval in the past.

I am truly grateful to you all. I certainly did not anticipate receiving such prompt responses.

What exactly does that abbreviation stand for? st post Should it be placed before the diagnosis?

I would suggest that this implies a certain level of doubt regarding the diagnosis, though a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached.

St post I am looking at my specialist report, and I am utterly perplexed: how can the diagnosis listed there be issued by a specialist who isn't even practicing in that specific field?

But then again, am I even certain that my interpretation is correct?

Harold Anderson3 said:Hi there 🙂
Something actually crossed my mind today, especially given how much we've all been dealing with this whole pandemic era.

Do you guys think COVID is a harder illness to deal with, or is schizophrenia more taxing?

It is undoubtedly schizophrenia. Over the past few months, I have had numerous opportunities to spend significant time with an individual living with this condition, though my life has certainly been shaped by encounters with others facing similar struggles long before now.

Is it not a profound irony of our existence that one unfortunate soul might suffer only a fleeting battle against a virus, while another must endure the grueling, years-long struggle of schizophrenia? Does the duration of our pain define its weight? As Harold Anderson3 so wisely noted in response to my thoughts: should we not simply focus on our own unique circumstances, paying close attention to how we truly feel so that we may adapt to the reality before us?

Now, Joseph Fowler3, shortly after reading your post, I found myself struck by the sudden realization of what one might call "THE SAGA OF THE OLD GUARD." And thus, I offer this brief little rhyme: — ""Long live our dear old friend! Long live our dear old friend! Long live our dear old friend, forevermore within our hearts!""

Harold Anderson3 said:I truly feel for that young man and the impossible situation he found himself in, though it’s heartbreaking to realize how many others have faced similar struggles. It’s a sobering reality that about 10% of people living with schizophrenia unfortunately take their own lives, and most of those tragedies happen during the early stages of the illness before they've had enough time to figure out how to navigate life alongside it.

Even when you look at clinical depression, that percentage holds steady at around 15%.

I don't have any set rules to follow here, and honestly, I don't see much point in getting bogged down in all those statistical data points. I used to be someone who leaned quite heavily on a "statistical" way of thinking myself, but I've since moved past that approach.

It all really comes down to the specifics of the case, though I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned that the country where the situation takes place makes a massive difference too.
I'm currently living with my mother, who's fully retired, while I'm out here grinding away at a job that pays basically nothing more than minimum wage.

It really depends on what you mean when you talk about living in a more "humane" society. If you find yourself in a wealthy Northern European nation, your quality of life might actually feel a lot lower compared to your healthy neighbors. But, looking at the bigger picture, I suppose it’s still a better situation than being in India or parts of sub-Saharan Africa, where most people are just struggling to survive in poverty. In those places, it almost doesn't matter if you're healthy or sick—life is incredibly difficult regardless.

Maybe you should try to shift the focus back to yourself and your own situation for a while, focusing on how you can actually help yourself function a little better—and perhaps more importantly, how you can start feeling a bit more like yourself again. I really think it’s worth leaning into every resource available to you right now, whether that means staying consistent with your medication, committing to psychotherapy, or just exploring whatever other tools might help you find some stability. Honestly, I'm not quite sure what else I could offer, but please just take care of yourself.

I was just thinking about someone like Stephen Hawking, who arguably faced one of the most profound physical challenges anyone could endure. Even with those kinds of limitations, he managed to stay remarkably positive right until the end, pouring himself into writing books and even finding the courage to experience the view from Earth's orbit.

After having dedicated myself so fully to the pursuit of employment, only to be met with continued unemployment, I find that my drive to take any further action has completely vanished. Is it not true that one can only endure such disappointment for so long before the spirit simply gives up?

I suppose I shall have to embark upon the journey of entrepreneurship once again.

Megan Hall3, I am truly, deeply sorry to hear about everything you’ve been going through.

Now that your family is aware of your symptoms, perhaps you could try to find some sense of peace with the fact that they know? The sooner you can come to terms with this disclosure, the easier it will be for you to shift your focus toward managing other aspects of your illness and, more broadly, your life in general.

I honestly don't know what else I could say that would sound wise or profound.

When a mentally healthy person suffers from even a minor physical ailment—something they might feel too embarrassed to even mention to their own household—the act of opening up can often feel far more agonizing than the illness itself. I can only imagine how much more difficult it must be for those of you living with schizophrenia to open up to anyone at all.

Is there any possibility that you could work part-time through a public works program? Having even a modest level of financial independence would surely help you immensely, particularly in building the self-confidence that might, I believe, help reduce suicidal ideation.

I am uncertain whether this topic has already been addressed here or if I am the first to bring it up. These are the most recently updated guidelines regarding quarantine and isolation protocols. Please accept my apologies if this information has already been shared. This link was sourced directly from the official CDC website.

Rebecca Rivera3 said:Harold Anderson3, thanks for the support.
The max dose of antidepressants combined with anti-epileptics and Normabels feels like taking candy for the pain—between the physical cramps and the mental anguish, it's constant.

I should mention that I've finally stopped taking benzodiazepines, with the exception of Normabels. I am sticking strictly to my prescribed therapy, though I still have to rely on the Normabels more than I'd like.

By the way, I know you're right, Harold Anderson3, but this is just who I am. These issues are rooted in me from birth, and I can't change them. If I don't finish my medical specialization, I’ll spiral into an even deeper depression. I know that shouldn't be the case, but here we are... I suppose I've never had anything in my life besides books—knowledge and academic success. Without that, I feel empty, like an empty shell. My brain hungers for knowledge, but this illness keeps holding me back.

Regarding the topic of schizophrenia, let me clarify a bit. Some of the lesions I have are located exactly where the "trigger" for schizophrenia resides; according to Wikipedia, it's scientifically proven that people with lesions in my specific areas are highly prone to developing schizophrenia.
And yes, I have gone through intense stages of psychosis—catatonic, simplex, and everything in between—before I started targeting the actual cause. And the cause is neurological.
Since then, I haven't struggled with identity disorders or schizophrenia. But I know what it's like. I've fought hard battles and tried almost every medication out there. I'm aware it could return, though I truly hope it won't.

Right now, I'm dealing with depressive anxiety. Lately, the depressive state has been more dominant, which for me is caused by a dopamine deficiency—people with this condition simply don't have enough dopamine.
I'm taking a dopaminergic antidepressant; sometimes it worked wonders, but now... I don't know. Maybe the circumstances are too heavy, or maybe I need to add something else to the mix.

I'm currently in a relationship with a guy I used to think was totally out of my league... but honestly, I'm not feeling particularly happy. He lives in a different city, and I feel like the honeymoon phase is over because he's starting to take me for granted. I'm just not sure how to let him know that his behavior isn't okay.

Rebecca Rivera3, it truly warms my heart to hear that you are feeling better. Please, do take a moment to celebrate this small victory! If we find ourselves unable to achieve massive milestones during certain seasons of our lives, shouldn't we find contentment in the smaller successes? We must never give up, nor should we ever stop striving toward those greater victories ahead.

I find myself facing a bit of uncertainty regarding my specialist referral.

Back when my primary care doctor issued my red referral—long before everything transitioned to the electronic system—I was scheduled for a specialist consultation all the way out in December. Naturally, I called the specialist's office to explain that I simply cannot endure this level of pain while waiting until December, and asked if there was any possibility of an earlier appointment. To my relief, they were able to fit me in on the 29th of this month! The nurse at the clinic informed me over the phone that my A1 referral is already in their system and told me to just show up on that date.

Does anyone know if I should head back to my primary physician to pick up a physical paper copy of that A1 referral? I am quite worried that if I don't have the paperwork in hand, I might show up at the clinic on the 29th only to be turned away by the doctor or the nurse and sent straight home without being seen.