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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsHad a rough day today.
Last edited Mon Aug 12, 2024, 10:52 PM - Edit history (3)
My 43 year old son suffers from schizophrenia. He normally is afraid to go anywhere. Sometimes its tough to get him to go to his appointments. About two weeks ago he volunteered to go with me to the store. I was happy and considered that a major milestone. He doesnt drive and doesnt have a car. But he does have a bicycle. He hasnt ridden that in a year or more. Without telling anyone he decided to go on a ride. This is the first time he has gone missing. We went out and tried to find him. Talked to the police and had them looking for him. 3 cars, 2 motorcycles, and the police. We made sure to emphasize he wasnt violent.
Finally found out he had ridden about a half mile and had heart palpitations aka afib. A couple saw him on the ground and called 911. He was taken to the emergency room. He was talking incoherently. Later he was moved to the icu. Hes doing good but still elevated heart rate and is going to see a specialist. Had a long talk to the nurse about him so they understand things like he talks to his self and sees people. But has never raised a hand to anyone. The hospital has a pretty tight icu visitation schedule. So Im at home tonight.
Anyways this has been a rough day. Will update as I get more information.
Edit: he has just been moved to the cardiac care unit.
Edit 2: The doctor said he can come home tomorrow. This has got to be the worst organized hospital Ive seen. They cut off his clothes which is to be expected. But they lost his billfold. The license is with his sandals but everything else is missing. They called last night said their pharmacy didnt have two of his medications and bring them this morning. When I brought them in the nurse on shift had no idea and couldnt find anything about it. Its his nighttime medicine. There are just so many other little things Im not going to try listing.
Edit 3: they still didnt get his normal medications right tonight. Had to go through all of it again. My son started cutting up some wanting to remove his iv and leave right then. I got him calmed down and went out to the hallway to tell her thats why Ive been trying so hard to get it setup. It finally made it through their thick skulls he needs to stay on the medicines. This is where people have to understand when nurses/doctor/police officers dont have proper training things can go bad fast. The nurse and doctor knew he had problems before I even arrived. The psychiatrist he goes to is in the same online portal and they already had a hard copy on hand when I first made it there yesterday. But they ignored it.
I am getting him one of the gabb phones. It has parental controls, I can gps track him, and I can set an alert zone if he goes past the area I define it alerts me on my phone. Emergency workers can hit an emergency contact alert which will call me.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(26,129 posts)Clearly life with your son has many challenges. I sincerely hope he gets better. Oh, and I love you.
sheshe2
(86,079 posts)CaliforniaPeggy
(151,378 posts)I've had afib from time to time, so I know whereof you speak. I've never had schizophrenia but I'm sure it really complicates the situation.
It sounds as though he's in an appropriate place and with the staff understanding him--that should help.
Please do update us! There are many caring people here on DU. We will help support you during your crisis.
BittyJenkins
(493 posts)Your family.
Liberty Belle
(9,591 posts)My husband and daughter have both had it. Non-invasive. Under anesthesia, they thread a catheter through a vein in the neck and groin, into the heart and burn off a microscopic piece of muscle causing the atrial fibrillations (rapid heartbeat). It's literally bandaid surgery, no cuts, no scars.
He was home same day; she was kept overnight just to keep her lying flat. Both felt fine next day and recovered 100% with no more fibriillations.
Of course there can be other causes, so good to get a cardiac evaluation.
I'm glad he was found safe and taken to the ICU for evaluation.
As for the schizophrenia, hang in there. There are various meds to be tried. My assistant has schizophrenia and has tried many meds before finally finding a combination that works for him. He's also had therapy that's helped him.
niyad
(118,051 posts)Please know that your DU family is here for you. Lean as hard as you need.
HeartsCanHope
(493 posts)Take care.
mahina
(18,650 posts)maspaha
(349 posts)Hope22
(2,380 posts)A parents worst nightmare. Im so glad people helped him while you were on the search. Sending love and wishes that your son is on the mend and home soon. Take care and be easy with yourself. 💗💗🙏🏼💐
Nululu
(917 posts)I hope he improves.
chia
(2,321 posts)TommieMommy
(639 posts)OldBaldy1701E
(5,810 posts)XanaDUer2
(12,700 posts)Healing thoughts.
quaint
(3,233 posts){{{∆}}}
debm55
(30,912 posts)Fla Dem
(25,195 posts)Do you have any family or friends you can at least lean on for support and comfort? You know you have us, but not always as good as in person.
BoomaofBandM
(1,877 posts)Niagara
(8,912 posts)zanana1
(6,250 posts)Schizophrenia is really tough to deal with and it's even worse for him.