![[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 Glenn Fagelson on October 16, 2001, at 22:51:46
Hello everyone! I just got back from the hospital yesterday. Out of 9 weeks, I was in the
hospital for 8 of them. I feel like I have come
home to a foreign place. I feel so strange and
full of dread and anziety, with no one to talk with. My hospital experience was
productive, I suppose, but very unpleasant. I am
on an experimental drug right now called iripirizole
(I'm not sure of the spelling). Has anyone heard of
it? I hope everyone is doing well
Glenn
Posted by Greg A. on October 16, 2001, at 23:34:35
In reply to Feeling very alone, posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 16, 2001, at 22:51:46
Welcome home Glenn! I felt the same when I came home after a stay at the hospital. It was funny. I went from being so scared the first night at the hospital, to feeling so at home i had a hard time leaving. I guess I got to take a break from all the external things that contributed to me being sick and just focus on me. Home seemed strange. Things were expected of me. I could no longer ignore everyone like I could in the hospital. But it didn't take too long to adjust. The hard part was remebering the lessons i learned in therapy and applying them when I was back in the midst of all those external things.
Greg A
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 0:08:53
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone, posted by Greg A. on October 16, 2001, at 23:34:35
> Welcome home Glenn! I felt the same when I came home after a stay at the hospital. It was funny. I went from being so scared the first night at the hospital, to feeling so at home i had a hard time leaving. I guess I got to take a break from all the external things that contributed to me being sick and just focus on me. Home seemed strange. Things were expected of me. I could no longer ignore everyone like I could in the hospital. But it didn't take too long to adjust. The hard part was remebering the lessons i learned in therapy and applying them when I was back in the midst of all those external things.
>
> Greg AThanks Greg for your feedback; about feeling
strange, that is exactly what my therapist
told me later this evening. I guess it
will take a couple of days to adjust.
Thanks again, Glenn
Posted by Roo on October 17, 2001, at 8:33:03
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone » Greg A., posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 0:08:53
Posted by Krazy Kat on October 17, 2001, at 9:34:31
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone » Greg A., posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 0:08:53
Glenn:
Very glad you're back! Please post a lot so there's a line of support here.
I haven't heard of that med, but defintely try Babble, which I'm sure you already have.
- K.
Posted by sar on October 17, 2001, at 10:04:31
In reply to Welcome back! » Glenn Fagelson, posted by Krazy Kat on October 17, 2001, at 9:34:31
hello! it must feel surreal to be in the "real" world again...what was the hospital like?
i always felt like a freebird being released from the hospital; what made me nervous was when people asked where i'd been & why i'd been in the hospital.
i hope things are going well for you...post soon.
sar
Posted by susan C on October 17, 2001, at 18:43:59
In reply to Feeling very alone, posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 16, 2001, at 22:51:46
Hi ya Glenny
has it been this long? Did you see we were wondering where you were and if you were ok? No gossip, just concerned...how's he doing kind of thing.
Its been so long I dont know which way is up. You have got me on a moment of a string of non sense. I hope you are, seriously, feeling better and have support too.
what is the sound of one mouse paw clapping?
susan C
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 20:33:04
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone » Glenn Fagelson, posted by susan C on October 17, 2001, at 18:43:59
> Hi ya Glenny
>
> has it been this long? Did you see we were wondering where you were and if you were ok? No gossip, just concerned...how's he doing kind of thing.
>
> Its been so long I dont know which way is up. You have got me on a moment of a string of non sense. I hope you are, seriously, feeling better and have support too.
>
> what is the sound of one mouse paw clapping?
> susan C
Hi Everyone,I don't know! What is the sound of one mouse
paw clapping?
I learned in the hospital that I have been
misdiagnosed for the past 30 years with
having Major Recurrent Depression
with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Now after
very careful study by a brillant psychiatrist
and neuro-chemist, I have been newly diagnosed
as having rapid cycling manic-depression. I
am still having symptoms of bi-polar illness,
even though I am out of the hospital. I feel
so utterly alone; this is one of the times
when it would have really been nice to have
been in a relationship and have had somebody
to come home to. Did you know that the
greatest genius of the 20th Century, Albert
Einstein, suffered from a bi-polar illness?
I couldn't believe it when I heard it; he
always seemed so calm to me.Thank you all for your concern,
Glenn , Glenny or whatever.
Posted by Gracie2 on October 17, 2001, at 22:20:43
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone » susan C, posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 20:33:04
Glenn-
Congatulations for having the chutzpah to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital. I felt the same way you did (especially because I was admitted involuntarily), scared of the other patients and what people would think when they found out about my stay in a mental ward. I would not allow my husband to tell anyone that I was there, although I had to tell them at work. I was really embarrassed at being locked down and wanted nothing more than to go home.It was the right place for me to be, though. When I got in there, I was so stressed that I felt like someone had taken my head and twisted it around on my neck like the rubberband to the propeller on one of those little balsawood airplanes (remember those?). I got a little better every day, though, from the lack of stress. The only decisions I had to make was what to have for meals. No work, no housework, no shopping or cooking or bills, no family problems.
I didn't even have to decide what to wear, since we all dressed in scrubs. Because I have hypertension, my blood pressure was taken several times a day, and it dropped steadily without a change of medication. Most of the staff - the psychiatrists, the social workers, the nurses and aides - were friendly, concerned, and willing to talk or just listen.
I was lumped into a small group of narcotics abusers and, strangely enough, (or maybe not) we were all medical professials. One was actually a doctor - a resident - addicted to cocaine. Another was a male nurse addicted to everything.
We were forced to attend classes given by an ex-drug user who had not only gone straight with a vengeance (nobody is more righteous than an ex-anything) but preached to us in his best fire-and-brimstone bible-thumping style, something between an evangelist and a drill sergeant. He was pretty annoying. One day he asked, "What makes you happy!
Think of one thing that makes you happy!" he yelled at me. I couldn't resist yelling back, "A
full bottle of Percocet!" The nurse hollered, "Amen!" and we all laughed like hell. I thought the guy was going to stroke out right there, but luckily for him we all knew CPR. I was banished to my room, but that was my only set-back. Otherwise I did quite well.Going home WAS frightening. All of a sudden you are again responsible for yourself and all the day-to-day decisions a normal adult must make; it was almost like culture shock. It helped to maintain frequent contact with the psychiatrist I had seen in the hospital and, for awhile, I kept in contact with the friends I had made there, though eventually we all got on with our separate lives.
If you can help it, don't jump back into the "real world" head first. Avoid big decisions
and stressful situations. Be good to yourself however you are able - take naps, read good books, have regular massages, get a dog whose main function in life is to worship you (but not a puppy, unless you are familiar with dog training), take long walks and go to movies, things you enjoy. Pretend that you are someone else who you love dearly and treat yourself accordingly.I wish you strength and happiness.
-Gracie
Posted by Kristi on October 18, 2001, at 1:11:52
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone, posted by Gracie2 on October 17, 2001, at 22:20:43
HI GLENN....
I'm so glad to see you back!!!! My computer has crashed, once again, and I'm using a friends. Not back on aol yet, so if I've missed anything, I'm sorry.
I hope everything is ok..... I'm so sorry for all you've gone thru.... you really have been in my thoughts.
I know how you feel.... I hate that loneliness. I can be surrounded by friends and still be lonely. If I knew how to get rid of that pit in the stomache ache.... I would pass it on.... UGH. Hang in there, your on the right track. Your in my prayers kiddo, Kristi
>
> Glenn-
> Congatulations for having the chutzpah to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital. I felt the same way you did (especially because I was admitted involuntarily), scared of the other patients and what people would think when they found out about my stay in a mental ward. I would not allow my husband to tell anyone that I was there, although I had to tell them at work. I was really embarrassed at being locked down and wanted nothing more than to go home.
>
> It was the right place for me to be, though. When I got in there, I was so stressed that I felt like someone had taken my head and twisted it around on my neck like the rubberband to the propeller on one of those little balsawood airplanes (remember those?). I got a little better every day, though, from the lack of stress. The only decisions I had to make was what to have for meals. No work, no housework, no shopping or cooking or bills, no family problems.
> I didn't even have to decide what to wear, since we all dressed in scrubs. Because I have hypertension, my blood pressure was taken several times a day, and it dropped steadily without a change of medication. Most of the staff - the psychiatrists, the social workers, the nurses and aides - were friendly, concerned, and willing to talk or just listen.
> I was lumped into a small group of narcotics abusers and, strangely enough, (or maybe not) we were all medical professials. One was actually a doctor - a resident - addicted to cocaine. Another was a male nurse addicted to everything.
> We were forced to attend classes given by an ex-drug user who had not only gone straight with a vengeance (nobody is more righteous than an ex-anything) but preached to us in his best fire-and-brimstone bible-thumping style, something between an evangelist and a drill sergeant. He was pretty annoying. One day he asked, "What makes you happy!
> Think of one thing that makes you happy!" he yelled at me. I couldn't resist yelling back, "A
> full bottle of Percocet!" The nurse hollered, "Amen!" and we all laughed like hell. I thought the guy was going to stroke out right there, but luckily for him we all knew CPR. I was banished to my room, but that was my only set-back. Otherwise I did quite well.
>
> Going home WAS frightening. All of a sudden you are again responsible for yourself and all the day-to-day decisions a normal adult must make; it was almost like culture shock. It helped to maintain frequent contact with the psychiatrist I had seen in the hospital and, for awhile, I kept in contact with the friends I had made there, though eventually we all got on with our separate lives.
> If you can help it, don't jump back into the "real world" head first. Avoid big decisions
> and stressful situations. Be good to yourself however you are able - take naps, read good books, have regular massages, get a dog whose main function in life is to worship you (but not a puppy, unless you are familiar with dog training), take long walks and go to movies, things you enjoy. Pretend that you are someone else who you love dearly and treat yourself accordingly.
>
> I wish you strength and happiness.
> -Gracie
>
Posted by Krazy Kat on October 18, 2001, at 8:23:44
In reply to Re: Feeling very alone » susan C, posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 17, 2001, at 20:33:04
Glenn:
Rapid cycling BP II is my most recent diagnosis, and I imagine there are others here who have a similar one. If you want to talk about that, let's start a thread. :) Just thought maybe it would help.
- K.
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 19, 2001, at 18:39:39
In reply to rapid cycling bp... » Glenn Fagelson, posted by Krazy Kat on October 18, 2001, at 8:23:44
> Glenn:
>
> Rapid cycling BP II is my most recent diagnosis, and I imagine there are others here who have a similar one. If you want to talk about that, let's start a thread. :) Just thought maybe it would help.
>
> - K.Dear Krazy Kat,
Thanks for your response. Yes, I have
mixed bi-polar with rapid cycling. It
sure can be a drag sometimes, but I am
hanging in there and I am noticing some
significant improvements. Sure let's
start a thread. I do not know how consistent
I can be because I am still trying to
recuperate from being in the hospital so
long (2 months). I am now on an expirimental
medication in a research study; as a bonus
I get paid for being in the study. My in-
hospital payment came to $1,125.00; I am
going to invest that money, although I feel
like going out and buying some expensive
clothes; I guess that is my hypo-mania
kicking in.Thanks again Krazy Kat for responding!
Glenn
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 19, 2001, at 21:37:06
In reply to Re: Hi Glenn!@#@!!, posted by Kristi on October 18, 2001, at 1:11:52
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> HI GLENN....
> I'm so glad to see you back!!!! My computer has crashed, once again, and I'm using a friends. Not back on aol yet, so if I've missed anything, I'm sorry.
> I hope everything is ok..... I'm so sorry for all you've gone thru.... you really have been in my thoughts.
> I know how you feel.... I hate that loneliness. I can be surrounded by friends and still be lonely. If I knew how to get rid of that pit in the stomache ache.... I would pass it on.... UGH. Hang in there, your on the right track. Your in my prayers kiddo, KristiHi Kristi,
Yes, I have tried to get a hold of you!
It sounds like you are making a nice
recovery from your surgery. How long has
your computer been down?Glenn
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> >
> > Glenn-
> > Congatulations for having the chutzpah to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital. I felt the same way you did (especially because I was admitted involuntarily), scared of the other patients and what people would think when they found out about my stay in a mental ward. I would not allow my husband to tell anyone that I was there, although I had to tell them at work. I was really embarrassed at being locked down and wanted nothing more than to go home.
> >
> > It was the right place for me to be, though. When I got in there, I was so stressed that I felt like someone had taken my head and twisted it around on my neck like the rubberband to the propeller on one of those little balsawood airplanes (remember those?). I got a little better every day, though, from the lack of stress. The only decisions I had to make was what to have for meals. No work, no housework, no shopping or cooking or bills, no family problems.
> > I didn't even have to decide what to wear, since we all dressed in scrubs. Because I have hypertension, my blood pressure was taken several times a day, and it dropped steadily without a change of medication. Most of the staff - the psychiatrists, the social workers, the nurses and aides - were friendly, concerned, and willing to talk or just listen.
> > I was lumped into a small group of narcotics abusers and, strangely enough, (or maybe not) we were all medical professials. One was actually a doctor - a resident - addicted to cocaine. Another was a male nurse addicted to everything.
> > We were forced to attend classes given by an ex-drug user who had not only gone straight with a vengeance (nobody is more righteous than an ex-anything) but preached to us in his best fire-and-brimstone bible-thumping style, something between an evangelist and a drill sergeant. He was pretty annoying. One day he asked, "What makes you happy!
> > Think of one thing that makes you happy!" he yelled at me. I couldn't resist yelling back, "A
> > full bottle of Percocet!" The nurse hollered, "Amen!" and we all laughed like hell. I thought the guy was going to stroke out right there, but luckily for him we all knew CPR. I was banished to my room, but that was my only set-back. Otherwise I did quite well.
> >
> > Going home WAS frightening. All of a sudden you are again responsible for yourself and all the day-to-day decisions a normal adult must make; it was almost like culture shock. It helped to maintain frequent contact with the psychiatrist I had seen in the hospital and, for awhile, I kept in contact with the friends I had made there, though eventually we all got on with our separate lives.
> > If you can help it, don't jump back into the "real world" head first. Avoid big decisions
> > and stressful situations. Be good to yourself however you are able - take naps, read good books, have regular massages, get a dog whose main function in life is to worship you (but not a puppy, unless you are familiar with dog training), take long walks and go to movies, things you enjoy. Pretend that you are someone else who you love dearly and treat yourself accordingly.
> >
> > I wish you strength and happiness.
> > -Gracie
> >
Posted by Krazy Kat on October 19, 2001, at 23:52:55
In reply to Re: rapid cycling bp... » Krazy Kat , posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 19, 2001, at 18:39:39
> You concentrate on getting better, not on contributing to anything here. But come here for support. That's what is needed now for you, I think. :)
Starting a BP rapid cycling thread is partly selfish - I love to discuss it. So, I'll start one at some point soon.
But now, you take care of yourself. You're so sweet and thoughtful to everyone here. Spend lots of energy of yourself, though, Right Now.
MHO.
- KK.
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 20, 2001, at 14:52:22
In reply to Dear Glenn..., posted by Krazy Kat on October 19, 2001, at 23:52:55
> > You concentrate on getting better, not on contributing to anything here. But come here for support. That's what is needed now for you, I think. :)
>
> Starting a BP rapid cycling thread is partly selfish - I love to discuss it. So, I'll start one at some point soon.
>
> But now, you take care of yourself. You're so sweet and thoughtful to everyone here. Spend lots of energy of yourself, though, Right Now.
>
> MHO.
>
> - KK.Thank you for your kind words, KK!
Glenn
Posted by Kristi on October 22, 2001, at 0:54:32
In reply to Re: Hi Glenn!@#@!! » Kristi, posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 19, 2001, at 21:37:06
> Hi Kristi,
>
> Yes, I have tried to get a hold of you!
> It sounds like you are making a nice
> recovery from your surgery. How long has
> your computer been down?
>
> Glenn
>
Hi Glen......
My computer has been down for quite a while. I think about the time you went into the hospital. I'm staying with a friend temporarily(there are a few things I can't do by myself yet)... so I have access to his whenever I want.
How are you doing???? Any improvement this week? Please keep in touch... take care, Kristi
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Glenn-
> > > Congatulations for having the chutzpah to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital. I felt the same way you did (especially because I was admitted involuntarily), scared of the other patients and what people would think when they found out about my stay in a mental ward. I would not allow my husband to tell anyone that I was there, although I had to tell them at work. I was really embarrassed at being locked down and wanted nothing more than to go home.
> > >
> > > It was the right place for me to be, though. When I got in there, I was so stressed that I felt like someone had taken my head and twisted it around on my neck like the rubberband to the propeller on one of those little balsawood airplanes (remember those?). I got a little better every day, though, from the lack of stress. The only decisions I had to make was what to have for meals. No work, no housework, no shopping or cooking or bills, no family problems.
> > > I didn't even have to decide what to wear, since we all dressed in scrubs. Because I have hypertension, my blood pressure was taken several times a day, and it dropped steadily without a change of medication. Most of the staff - the psychiatrists, the social workers, the nurses and aides - were friendly, concerned, and willing to talk or just listen.
> > > I was lumped into a small group of narcotics abusers and, strangely enough, (or maybe not) we were all medical professials. One was actually a doctor - a resident - addicted to cocaine. Another was a male nurse addicted to everything.
> > > We were forced to attend classes given by an ex-drug user who had not only gone straight with a vengeance (nobody is more righteous than an ex-anything) but preached to us in his best fire-and-brimstone bible-thumping style, something between an evangelist and a drill sergeant. He was pretty annoying. One day he asked, "What makes you happy!
> > > Think of one thing that makes you happy!" he yelled at me. I couldn't resist yelling back, "A
> > > full bottle of Percocet!" The nurse hollered, "Amen!" and we all laughed like hell. I thought the guy was going to stroke out right there, but luckily for him we all knew CPR. I was banished to my room, but that was my only set-back. Otherwise I did quite well.
> > >
> > > Going home WAS frightening. All of a sudden you are again responsible for yourself and all the day-to-day decisions a normal adult must make; it was almost like culture shock. It helped to maintain frequent contact with the psychiatrist I had seen in the hospital and, for awhile, I kept in contact with the friends I had made there, though eventually we all got on with our separate lives.
> > > If you can help it, don't jump back into the "real world" head first. Avoid big decisions
> > > and stressful situations. Be good to yourself however you are able - take naps, read good books, have regular massages, get a dog whose main function in life is to worship you (but not a puppy, unless you are familiar with dog training), take long walks and go to movies, things you enjoy. Pretend that you are someone else who you love dearly and treat yourself accordingly.
> > >
> > > I wish you strength and happiness.
> > > -Gracie
> > >
Posted by Glenn Fagelson on October 23, 2001, at 22:37:47
In reply to Re: Hi Glenn!@#@!!-glenn, posted by Kristi on October 22, 2001, at 0:54:32
> > Hi Kristi,
> >
> > Yes, I have tried to get a hold of you!
> > It sounds like you are making a nice
> > recovery from your surgery. How long has
> > your computer been down?
> >
> > Glenn
> >
> Hi Glen......
> My computer has been down for quite a while. I think about the time you went into the hospital. I'm staying with a friend temporarily(there are a few things I can't do by myself yet)... so I have access to his whenever I want.
> How are you doing???? Any improvement this week? Please keep in touch... take care, KristiThank you for responding Kristi; I hope you
are improving. I think I am allergic to this
research medicine; I get this inner restlessness
(akathesia) where I want to fidgit all the time.
I put a call into my doctor today but he has
not called back. I feel quite miserable,
lonely and sad. I am usually better than
this; that's what gets me.How long do you think it will take before you
are fully up and about? I hope soon.-Take care, Kristi
Glenn
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > > Glenn-
> > > > Congatulations for having the chutzpah to admit yourself to a psychiatric hospital. I felt the same way you did (especially because I was admitted involuntarily), scared of the other patients and what people would think when they found out about my stay in a mental ward. I would not allow my husband to tell anyone that I was there, although I had to tell them at work. I was really embarrassed at being locked down and wanted nothing more than to go home.
> > > >
> > > > It was the right place for me to be, though. When I got in there, I was so stressed that I felt like someone had taken my head and twisted it around on my neck like the rubberband to the propeller on one of those little balsawood airplanes (remember those?). I got a little better every day, though, from the lack of stress. The only decisions I had to make was what to have for meals. No work, no housework, no shopping or cooking or bills, no family problems.
> > > > I didn't even have to decide what to wear, since we all dressed in scrubs. Because I have hypertension, my blood pressure was taken several times a day, and it dropped steadily without a change of medication. Most of the staff - the psychiatrists, the social workers, the nurses and aides - were friendly, concerned, and willing to talk or just listen.
> > > > I was lumped into a small group of narcotics abusers and, strangely enough, (or maybe not) we were all medical professials. One was actually a doctor - a resident - addicted to cocaine. Another was a male nurse addicted to everything.
> > > > We were forced to attend classes given by an ex-drug user who had not only gone straight with a vengeance (nobody is more righteous than an ex-anything) but preached to us in his best fire-and-brimstone bible-thumping style, something between an evangelist and a drill sergeant. He was pretty annoying. One day he asked, "What makes you happy!
> > > > Think of one thing that makes you happy!" he yelled at me. I couldn't resist yelling back, "A
> > > > full bottle of Percocet!" The nurse hollered, "Amen!" and we all laughed like hell. I thought the guy was going to stroke out right there, but luckily for him we all knew CPR. I was banished to my room, but that was my only set-back. Otherwise I did quite well.
> > > >
> > > > Going home WAS frightening. All of a sudden you are again responsible for yourself and all the day-to-day decisions a normal adult must make; it was almost like culture shock. It helped to maintain frequent contact with the psychiatrist I had seen in the hospital and, for awhile, I kept in contact with the friends I had made there, though eventually we all got on with our separate lives.
> > > > If you can help it, don't jump back into the "real world" head first. Avoid big decisions
> > > > and stressful situations. Be good to yourself however you are able - take naps, read good books, have regular massages, get a dog whose main function in life is to worship you (but not a puppy, unless you are familiar with dog training), take long walks and go to movies, things you enjoy. Pretend that you are someone else who you love dearly and treat yourself accordingly.
> > > >
> > > > I wish you strength and happiness.
> > > > -Gracie
> > > >
This is the end of the thread.
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