![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
Depression has been so bad, and my doc so useless, that I went to the emergency room. They said since I wasn't planning on suicide this very day that I probably would not be accepted as an inpatient. But they did put me in a partial day hospital program beginning tomorrow Wednesday. It is for people like me who are in real bad shape or having a real hard time getting started on meds, but not bad enough to be locked up.
A pdoc will interview and prescribe. There are nurse practioners and other psychiatric staff on hand. The days are spent in various group therapies to learn cognitive behavioral therapy skills, and to share with others the side effects and things going on. If things get bad and out of hand, then you become an inpatient.
I've heard two good reports from this particular hospital from other people that have been through this program...people that were in really bad shape and now seem pretty fine...so hopefully it will go well. It feels kind of scary, but at the same time kind of a relief. It is 6 hours per day. I kind of wish it was more than that.
Posted by bassman on June 27, 2006, at 19:45:42
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
You seem to have been having a really hard time lately, blueberry. Best of luck-I hope you feel a lot better really soon. I'm sure there are a lot of people on this board that hope, as I do, that you will keep us informed about this "adventure". We'll be thinking of you and hoping/praying/etc. for you.
bassman
Posted by curtm on June 27, 2006, at 20:05:27
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by bassman on June 27, 2006, at 19:45:42
Even though it's a "partial day," you don't get a "partial hug." You get a full hug!
(((((((blueberry)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
PS. What does more hug stuff on one side than the other like that mean? More right brain hug maybe?
Posted by curtm on June 27, 2006, at 20:06:37
In reply to Partial day » bassman, posted by curtm on June 27, 2006, at 20:05:27
Posted by Crazy Horse on June 27, 2006, at 20:08:39
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
> Depression has been so bad, and my doc so useless, that I went to the emergency room. They said since I wasn't planning on suicide this very day that I probably would not be accepted as an inpatient. But they did put me in a partial day hospital program beginning tomorrow Wednesday. It is for people like me who are in real bad shape or having a real hard time getting started on meds, but not bad enough to be locked up.
>
> A pdoc will interview and prescribe. There are nurse practioners and other psychiatric staff on hand. The days are spent in various group therapies to learn cognitive behavioral therapy skills, and to share with others the side effects and things going on. If things get bad and out of hand, then you become an inpatient.
>
> I've heard two good reports from this particular hospital from other people that have been through this program...people that were in really bad shape and now seem pretty fine...so hopefully it will go well. It feels kind of scary, but at the same time kind of a relief. It is 6 hours per day. I kind of wish it was more than that.Okay, this is just what i would do Blueberry. You say you wish it was more than 6 hrs a day...than tell them "Yes, I feel suicidal TODAY!" Hey the squeeky wheel gets the grease, you need help man, now is the time to get it!! Whatever you do i only wish you the very best, i am sorry you have had to suffer so damn much lately!
Sincerely,
Monte
Posted by bassman on June 27, 2006, at 20:08:42
In reply to Partial day » bassman, posted by curtm on June 27, 2006, at 20:05:27
Gosh, I feel left out. :>}
Posted by Maxime on June 27, 2006, at 20:09:39
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
Do you live in Canada? I've had the same thing said to me. Don't they realise that suicide can be impulsive? Anyway, I hope you get what you need and deserve from the outpatient programme.
Hugs, Maxime
> Depression has been so bad, and my doc so useless, that I went to the emergency room. They said since I wasn't planning on suicide this very day that I probably would not be accepted as an inpatient. But they did put me in a partial day hospital program beginning tomorrow Wednesday. It is for people like me who are in real bad shape or having a real hard time getting started on meds, but not bad enough to be locked up.
>
> A pdoc will interview and prescribe. There are nurse practioners and other psychiatric staff on hand. The days are spent in various group therapies to learn cognitive behavioral therapy skills, and to share with others the side effects and things going on. If things get bad and out of hand, then you become an inpatient.
>
> I've heard two good reports from this particular hospital from other people that have been through this program...people that were in really bad shape and now seem pretty fine...so hopefully it will go well. It feels kind of scary, but at the same time kind of a relief. It is 6 hours per day. I kind of wish it was more than that.
Posted by curtm on June 27, 2006, at 20:19:28
In reply to Re: Partial day » curtm, posted by bassman on June 27, 2006, at 20:08:42
Posted by stabb on June 27, 2006, at 21:23:36
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
Blueberry-
take it one day at a time and know that we will be hoping/praying for some relief and peace. hang in there
Posted by Phillipa on June 27, 2006, at 22:16:57
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by stabb on June 27, 2006, at 21:23:36
Blueberry that's what I wanted to do three hours a day three days a week. But from what I understand I don't think but really don't know if they take medicare. But it's the best of both worlds. You get to sleep in your own bed, peace and quiet at night, no people looking in your door all night. Eat when and where and what you want. Lucky Blueberry. I think that's what SLS Scott does too. Post tomorrow and let us know how it goes. Love Phillipa
Posted by honeybee on June 28, 2006, at 9:01:11
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
Blueberry,
Two Thursdays ago, my husband took me to the ER because my own depression has been so bad for so long. Some of my comments (suicidal ideation) were concerning to him, so they let me sign in to the psych ward. I was there for a week. It wasn't so bad (the NYU Tisch hospital) and provided a safe, contained space for me to get started on some meds. I wasn't there long enough (really, I think I could have used a month or so, but my insurance ran out), but it was worth checking myself in. And if it means talking to them more in depth about the suicidal thoughts you've been having (which I was still loathe to do), from my limited experience, it seems that they would be more likely to take you into the inpatient program. So long as your suicidal, neither the insurance nor the hospital is going to kick you out.
I hope that the day program works for you or that, if you feel like you need it, you can get into the inpatient program. Take care, Blueberry.
hb
Posted by blueberry on June 28, 2006, at 14:58:29
In reply to Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 27, 2006, at 19:41:21
Thanks for all the support everyone. Very nice. (tears)
First day lots of interviews with case workers, some time with the pdoc, and some group sessions. Small group, only 6 people, very casual. Not sure how helpful it will be. I already do a lot of the stuff they teach.
Doc prescribed 5mg lexapro and .25mg ropinirole. I told him I thought prozac was the better antidepressant for me, but that lexapro was much better for anxiety, he said I might end up taking both...wow, that took me by surprise. But he wants me to start on lexapro first. He said the crashes I experience after starting an ssri are probably dopamine related and that is what the ropinirole is for. He said I have mild tremors and mild parkinsons probably from zyprexa, and the ropinirole is for that too. He wants me to just stop zyprexa, and that scares the hell out of me. I can't do that.
Anyway, no matter what happens, at least I will be in a setting where others can see what happens to me, where I can be watched and evaluated, and where I can be stepped up to more intensive treatment if things get worse.
Posted by honeybee on June 28, 2006, at 16:17:13
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 28, 2006, at 14:58:29
Yay, Blueberry!
That's exactly the kind of support that you need. Another thing this sounds like it's providing you is someone who might be smarter than you (well, maybe just as smart). You're *so good* at this game and at understanding your options and their many ramifications, that it's nice to have someone look you straight in the eye and say, you know what? *This* is how we're going to proceed, to answer all of your questions intelligently, and to give you the space and support to allow changes to happen. I bet you really do already do all the cognitive behavioral stuff they're teaching you, but it will be good to be literally, physically surrounded by a community of folks (as opposed to the psychobabble cyber bunch) who can answer your questions, calm your fears, and see you through this. You've been so helpful to everyone on psychobabble. I hope that all your gracious information sharing comes back to you in happy returns sevenfold.
hb
Posted by bassman on June 28, 2006, at 16:50:30
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by honeybee on June 28, 2006, at 16:17:13
Blueberrry, there was a post a couple weeks ago on how much full-time admisssion didn't work for some people-so maybe this is a blessing. At least you get to see what things are like and perhaps you'll decide you like being an outpatient-if not, at least you'll know the situation before you commit to full time. We're all looking forward to hearing from you on this adventure! It sounds like your doc knows something, how'd that happen? :>} Hang in there.
Posted by Crazy Horse on June 28, 2006, at 18:29:43
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by blueberry on June 28, 2006, at 14:58:29
> Thanks for all the support everyone. Very nice. (tears)
>
> First day lots of interviews with case workers, some time with the pdoc, and some group sessions. Small group, only 6 people, very casual. Not sure how helpful it will be. I already do a lot of the stuff they teach.
>
> Doc prescribed 5mg lexapro and .25mg ropinirole. I told him I thought prozac was the better antidepressant for me, but that lexapro was much better for anxiety, he said I might end up taking both...wow, that took me by surprise. But he wants me to start on lexapro first. He said the crashes I experience after starting an ssri are probably dopamine related and that is what the ropinirole is for. He said I have mild tremors and mild parkinsons probably from zyprexa, and the ropinirole is for that too. He wants me to just stop zyprexa, and that scares the hell out of me. I can't do that.
>
> Anyway, no matter what happens, at least I will be in a setting where others can see what happens to me, where I can be watched and evaluated, and where I can be stepped up to more intensive treatment if things get worse.All sounds good! I think you are FINALLY going to get the help you need and deserve. My best wishes and prayers go out to you Blueberry!
Monte
Posted by llrrrpp on June 28, 2006, at 19:58:19
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me » blueberry, posted by Crazy Horse on June 28, 2006, at 18:29:43
((((((blueberry))))))
I'm sorry- I wasn't checking the meds board for a long time. I know you've been going through some rough stuff. I'm so glad that you're going to be in this program, hopefully to get you 'over the hump' in terms of your previous poor reactions to SSRI's.I'll be thinking of you and hoping that you'll stay strong. I think that this program sounds good, at least from my perspective. I have a lot of anxiety, and at least I would not be completely out of my element. Also sounds like the pdoc working with you has some new ideas and is listening to you, and working with you, rather than 'imposing' something on you. Good for pdoc to hear your history, and to take it seriously.
((((((blueberry)))))
thinking of you. And if you're having a day where you're worried you might "crash" PLEASE tell them what you need in order to get overnight supervision. Keep (((((blueberry))))) safe. One of my favorite berries.
-ll
Posted by TJO on June 30, 2006, at 5:22:11
In reply to Re: Partial day hospital program for me, posted by llrrrpp on June 28, 2006, at 19:58:19
Hey there,
I've been going to a day program for the last five years and it has really helped me a lot. I don't go full time any more-am down to 2 or 3 days a week but if you have any questions you can ask me and i'll try to answer :-). Think it is a lot better than being locked up and have made a lot of friends too.Tam
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.