Andrew: Part II HomeVisit

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Fayebelle

Bitter

Reality is a Bitter Dish, best served Cold.

[Meanon]

Originally Posted by Scott

<<<sigh>>>

Yes, it makes sense.

As you know I HAVE been on the other side of this coin: Teachers are often asked to be part of the "process" of "labeling" a kid as special ed. You gotta do THIS. You gotta document THAT. All along the parent is left wondering for MONTHS: Is my kid a Special Ed Kid???

But as teachers, counsellors, school psychologists, we KNOW.


We know we need to produce documentation, and We do.

I have a friend (the same one we were discussing, weirdly) who does this job with these patients. It's not just pc, or for documentation, or because it takes time. It would be considered really unprofessional to lay a diagnosis like that on someone until they were ready to hear it/cope with it. It's usually revealed at some point during treatment, when it's judged that the people hearing it won't freak/fall apart.

[Meanon]

I'm sure you know it's Revenge that's the bitter dish. Reality isn't all that appetising for you either, right now, but give it time and you may yet enjoy Duke's menu!

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Meanon

I have a friend (the same one we were discussing, weirdly) who does this job with these patients. It's not just pc, or for documentation, or because it takes time. It would be considered really unprofessional to lay a diagnosis like that on someone until they were ready to hear it/cope with it. It's usually revealed at some point during treatment, when it's judged that the people hearing it won't freak/fall apart.

Yeah...I KNOW....I've been on that side of the fence....we all meet before the parent arrives....."ARE THEY READY TO KNOW?".....no, not this time, says the councellor, "THey are having marital problems," or "They are having financial problems," one issue after another...eventually the Truth comes out.

[PepsiChic]

Psychotic Depression has sometimes been called or said to be a mild form of schizophrenia, so dont be surprised if many of Andrews symptoms fall into both categories.

things always seem worse when you cant control them.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by PepsiChic

Psychotic Depression has sometimes been called or said to be a mild form of schizophrenia, so dont be surprised if many of Andrews symptoms fall into both categories.

things always seem worse when you cant control them.

Yes.....Also Psychotic Depression can be a precursor of Schizophrenia.


I saw Andrew and the Therapist Friday. Both I and Andrew are more than a tad pissed off at each other with the astonishing lack of progress after 4 months. He's pissed off that my standards for normal behaviour don't include poking holes through one's own face and refusing to introduce friends. I'm pissed off that he'd question any standards.

Anyway, his Risperdal has been increased to 4 mg/d and he's staying in the hospital this weekend. I had expected to spend this weekend hiking in the mountains, but the weather turned VERY BAD, so I consoled myself with the purchase of a new 60" Mitsubishi Projection TV.

[Meanon]

Lol. Not poking holes through faces seems a reasonable expectation to me. So does introducing friends, though I recall having a HUGE argument with my mother about it when I was about 19, good luck with that one

I can't help wondering if the purchase of the projector TV was influenced by a crucial design feature: No-one can put their foot through the screen . My friend has one, it's FAB.

I hope the 4mg helps, the signs seem encouraging from the good response to lower dosages.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Meanon

Lol. Not poking holes through faces seems a reasonable expectation to me. So does introducing friends, though I recall having a HUGE argument with my mother about it when I was about 19, good luck with that one

I can't help wondering if the purchase of the projector TV was influenced by a crucial design feature: No-one can put their foot through the screen . My friend has one, it's FAB.

I hope the 4mg helps, the signs seem encouraging from the good response to lower dosages.

Well, actually he tried to kick through the 51" screen of my Sanyo Projection TV, and only succeeded in leaving a 5" X 2" scuff mark. The 51" has been moved to MY bedroom.

The introducing of friends wouldn't be that big a deal if I trusted him, but the only thing I trust him to do is make the most unwise, impulsive decisions, most of which I cannot even imagine.

The reason I got the new TV was because I wanted to move into Andrew's room, making it, my room. A compromise was struck, that included moving TV's and matresses around, and Andrew was able to retain his space, although I seriously doubt he'll ever be in a position to use it alone.

I've been told that 4 mg is a fairly high dose of Risperdol.

[Meanon]

That's a huge sacrifice to make, Scott

4mg is the standard adult dose.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Meanon

That's a huge sacrifice to make, Scott

Yes, its one I can live with

[Meanon]

The best kind!

[Scott]

This past weekend I took Andrew with us for an unplanned overnight trip to Steamboat Springs, the only Family vacation we took all summer. He did very well, but was never left alone.

Yesterday I appeared at the finance meeting to determine what portion of Andrew's $5,000.00/mo County Expense I would pay. Calculations were made, and a figure slightly in excess of $1,000.00/mo was assessed. If I pay what I owe between April 15 and August 31, I get a 25% discount, but after that, the $1,000/mo bill arrives. I have the option, which I chose, to go before a Magistrate to plead my case: That I have paid for Andrew related Expenses (gas, home-visits, preexisting medical bills) during his "treatment." I'll see her in November, I hope.

Lastly, but not least, we finally have Andrew scheduled to visit a NeuroPsychiatrist for 3 hours October 14th and 20th.

I'm hoping next year will be better.

[PepsiChic]

im glad you had a good vacation with him, AND have the neuropsychiatrist appointments sorted at last.

good luck with the money thing, move to britain its free then :/