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OMG

March 30th, 2010 at 12:37 am

Oh My Goodness. That comment goes toward both my life and the savingadvice new look. Go figure--I'm unable to blog for several weeks and look what happens--a whole new format for savingadvice. I think I like it...

The sad sad news (the other part of the Oh My Goodness) is my son the Kid now appears to have what most people would see as a topic no one wants to talk about. He had a psychotic episode a few weeks ago (totally irrational uncontrollable behavior that he was hospitalized for) and has initially been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

This has changed our LIVES, emotionally, mentally and financially. (Already I have a hospital bill for $7,000, which scares me. I'll be calling my insurance company.) I've had several weeks to semi-adjust (I don't see a full adjustment since his behavior is now more potentially unpredictable). He appears to be doing fine on his current medication, but as a 21 year old is not willing to let me mother him much, which is all I want to do. He's also an adult in the medical world, which means I can't get much info from the doctors without his consent. So frustrating.

I've read a lot and prayed. I'm trying to reach out to people who might know what we're going through. We have a great church family. He just turned 21 and is attempting to get caught up in the college courses he's currently taking (he missed several classes), but I see that he's struggling.

I've found websites and information about the subject of Schizophrenia that's helping a lot. But I notice my finances are taking the back burner and I'm here at savingadvice to get some of my life back. My checking account is down to 26.33 and that's not helping my own mental state.

Everything is so connected--life, money, children, home, spirit, health. I'm out of whack right now, but will take steps to get it together. I'm so glad you all are still here!!

7 Responses to “OMG”

  1. BlackDiamond Says:
    1269906359

    I wonder if there is such a thing as power of attorney where you won't have to get consent every time you need an update?

    I can't say I know what you are going through but I was diagnosed autistic at age 31. (most people are diagnosed at age 3) I will say that having answers as to why I felt and thought the strange way I did was a big help because I pretty much struggled all my life before that because I did not know.

    You have the first step now. You know what is causing his behavior. Next step, get it under control. Look into support groups. And remember, it is an illness and you can treat it.

  2. gamecock43 Says:
    1269906654

    Wow- that is quite a shock! I imagine you are treading into foreign topics. Just remember that its not as uncommon as you would initially think. People/families learn to cope with this- and you will find a new "normal" for you and your family. Good luck to you guys, it sounds like your son trying to focus on school might be a good distraction for him.

  3. creditcardfree Says:
    1269908591

    ((hugs)) I hope you can find a support group that can give advice and emotional support. Take care!

  4. pjmama Says:
    1269955991

    My brother is paranoid schizophrenic, and I wish I could tell you that my family has had good (or even slightly normal) experiences with it, but that just isn't so. It is a disorder that is incredibly hard to deal with-- especially for the family. But that being said, every person (regardless of psychotic disposition or not) is different, and it could be an entirely different experience for you. It will take adjusting, and the best advice I can give you is to be patient, and understand that your son just has a different reality-- just like we all do. Read up on it as much as you can and remember to take some time for yourself. My mother has a hard time dealing with my brother much of the time (he's 29), and sometimes you just need to walk away and remember to take care of you, too. Staying in classes should help him immensely-- as routine and a bit of structure tends to help. Try and keep him focused as much as you can. I hope this didn't make things bleaker for you! Just do your best and remember that's all you can do!

  5. Broken Arrow Says:
    1269958630

    Yikes. Here's hoping insurance will kick in soon.

  6. fern Says:
    1269960549

    Wow, I'm really sorry to hear that.

    It's good that you are reaching out for emotional support. It can't be easy.

  7. Jerry Says:
    1271455866

    Good luck to you, and I hope that your insurance company will lead to some financial relief sooner than later. That is the last thing you need to worry about right now. I wish you and your son well...
    Jerry

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