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I’m only asking because there’s some vague talk about whether it's actually true—this idea that you’ll only get four specialist consultations after being discharged from the hospital, and after that, everything falls back on your primary care physician.
My GP has always sent me to the Mayo Clinic for psychiatric evaluations, and they simply follow whatever treatment plan the specialists dictate, specifically applying the medication dosages prescribed by those experts.
I should point out that, as far as I know, my doctor only orders certain medications specifically for my case; I’m essentially the only patient in that entire clinic receiving this particular therapy.
It is good that there is a space for those of us living with schizophrenia.
Here is my story.
Back in 2007, following some incidents during Christmas, I began hearing voices and ended up destroying my room.
You know how the procedure goes: police, paramedics, and then straight to a locked ward.
I was diagnosed with schizophrenia immediately, but since I didn't understand the gravity of the situation back then, I refused to sign the papers, and the court ordered involuntary hospitalization.
That was when I met an excellent psychiatrist who truly knows her field.
To put it briefly, she worked incredibly hard to stabilize me. Since March 2008, I haven't taken a single day of medical leave. I see her every two months, adjusting my dosage—sometimes 50mg, sometimes 37.5mg depending on how I feel—along with a 5 or 10mg maintenance dose.
She constantly encourages me to stay social and stay busy. I have received treatment at facilities in both rural areas and in Queens. Ever since returning to work after my stay in Queens, where the doctors were quite skilled, I have maintained perfect attendance.
Currently, I hold a steady position at a local institution. I barely have any free time because I stay busy with photography, screenwriting, blogging, and occasional travel.
I am also active within my local Archdiocese, fulfilling various responsibilities in my spare time; they are so satisfied with my work that they continually extend my contract.
When I do experience a crisis, my family and friends are there. They know exactly what to do if I stop responding or start acting on irrational ideas.
The hardest part for me is when the law mandates that I take vacation time. That is when the trouble starts.
At my job, I have a fantastic team that offers support whenever they sense I am struggling.
I don't drink alcohol, though I can't live without coffee.
I hope my experience proves helpful to someone.
With schizophrenia, the most dangerous things are relaxation and idleness.
One must remain fully active.
Here is the question I am trying to get an answer to.
I have schizophrenia and receive treatment at the Mayo Clinic.
I’ve completed four psychiatric evaluations following my hospital stays, as I have been working under a medication regimen prescribed by my psychiatrist at Mayo Clinic, which my primary care physician then implements.
I need to know if I will continue seeing specialists at Mayo Clinic starting September 1st, or if my primary care doctor will take over those follow-ups.