Replies: 1
Views: 394
Last Post By: chimlacloai ON: Mon Jul 12, 2010 8:34 pm
Topic By: chimlacloai ON: Mon Jul 12, 2010 8:34 pm
Hi Sonnie,
me too, i have been stable for few year now, have no friend and be alone much of the time. But since I have a job, I start to make new friend and with new friendship i see more hope for my recovery. And maybe we can be friend ? until next time, take care

Replies: 4
Views: 258
Last Post By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Topic By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Thanks Confute for sharing...your 'challenging' experiences sound a lot like my daughter's..extremely torturous. She lives in a secure, friendly community (subsidized apt), which should be her 'refuge from the world' but is anything but as she is afraid to be there and spends as much time out of it as possible. She, on a daily basis relates experiencing 'personal physical attackings, people within the walls, belief that people are in the apt when she's out, glass cutting her feet' and on and on. I often observe her 'distractions' as she responds to voices, etc. The major issue here is that she isn't aware of her illness, inspite of numerous hospitalizations over time, believes the med causes her problems (Clozaril..is on as high a dose as her Psychiatrist advises), thus her refusal to take anything new, and the doctor's reluctance to force her as she then starts pushing away from treatment. She has been attending NAMI's 'Connections Group', weekly for some months, and seems to like it, fortunately. The SZ, being a chemical imbalance as I understand it, likely needs additional medication, i.e. chemicals, to relieve the current 'horrendous' symptoms. I, like your parents, attended Family to Family and got a lot out of it. My daughter took in a kittie some months ago, we in hopes that it would bring some relief and joy into her life, which it has done. She calls the police, often, when she can't take it any longer. Progress, improvement is slow. I'm glad to hear of yours, and congratulations! Gives me hope that it is possible..RM

Replies: 4
Views: 258
Last Post By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Topic By: Confute ON: Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:42 pm
I'm 40. I developed paranoid schizophrenia at 29 and was undiagnosed until 36. An outside observer wouldn't have noticed the transition from a bad attitude in my 20s to schizophrenia, other than that I started talking to "myself" at 29. I believed I had a camera implanted in my face that was broadcast on the Internet, a la "The Truman Show" (my case manager tells me schizophrenic delusions are very cultural). The first year was fairly rough, but then I "adapted" for five years, and then my symptoms worsened the seventh year. By the time I was hospitalized, I thought people were muttering comments at me constantly wherever I went and speaking in loud voices at me through the walls of my apartment. I also had voices inside my head, which I believed were the hosts of my Internet show, and I believed everyone I met could read my mind. I believed I was going to be tortured and murdered. I could hear the voices I perceived as my neighbors every waking minute, as well as the voices inside my head. I finally couldn't take it anymore and started yelling back at my neighbors, which got me three visits by the police, the third of which resulted in a hospital stay. Placebo effects did work to a point with me. I liked the hospital and heard fewer voices, and, prior to my hospitalization, I started wearing earplugs so I could sleep. When an earplug fell out during the night, I started hearing my "neighbors" again. Needless to say, I'm now a big fan of Abilify. That said, medications work differently for each person. I'm just wondering whether her prescriber has tried different medications. In my case, the fourth try was the charm. My parents completed NAMI's Family-to-Family program after I was diagnosed, and they really like NAMI. I've actually never been involved with NAMI, but I do volunteer at a socialization program for the mentally ill, even though my own social skills aren't very impressive. I just help members with computer skills. Since my diagnosis, I've gone back to school and earned an associate's degree in web site development. It's a big improvement from contemplating suicide as a means to avoid torture and murder. I know I'm lucky to be in the third who make a "full recovery" from schizophrenia, and I hope your loved one will be lucky as well.

Replies: 4
Views: 258
Last Post By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Topic By: Rosmar ON: Mon Jul 05, 2010 11:08 pm
Confute,
Thank you...really appreciate your feedback. If I may, I question the frequency of hallucinations and paranoia you experienced, whether on a daily basis or less frequent? I did check out Abilify. One source indicated for SZ it might be appropriate for ages 13 to 17, but will check further. Our loved one is in mid 40s, following diagnosis of Schizoaffective Disorder at age 19. One hope we have for improvement is in her current interest in NAMI's new program called WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan), which to my knowledge is provided on an individual basis to aid consumers in their recovery. NAMI, being family based and sincerely interested in seeking answers and solutions, was there years ago and has been a significant source of help over time.
Regards,
Rosmar

Replies: 4
Views: 258
Last Post By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Topic By: Confute ON: Mon Jul 05, 2010 2:20 pm
Does her prescriber know that she still has strong hallucinations and paranoia? I can only speak from my own experience, but I was compliant with three different medications (Zyprexa, Geodon and Risperdal) that did nothing for me, and then, when I was prescribed Abilify (which, ironically, is considered the lightest of the medications), I finally had insight into my condition. I previously had paranoia and auditory hallucinations, and Abilify has completely eliminated the paranoia and almost all of the voices. I hear voices once every few months now. Every person's chemistry is different, of course, so the medication that works for one person might not work for another, but I just wonder whether her prescriber has tried a variety of medications. I was in the psychiatric unit of a hospital twice before my medication was figured out.

Replies: 4
Views: 258
Last Post By: Rosmar ON: Tue Jul 06, 2010 3:05 pm
Topic By: Rosmar ON: Sat Jul 03, 2010 12:00 am
Family, and others close, angonize over our daughter/sister who suffers immensely from paranoia, but who lacks insight to know that the problems perceived are from within rather than external, and regarding which she firmly believes and is not open to exploring helpful suggestions from others. She is med compliant to best of our knowledge, and involved with a couple of peer groups, but the hallucinations and paranoia she experiences on a daily basis are devastating to her. Any advice will be appreciated.

Replies: 1
Views: 394
Last Post By: chimlacloai ON: Mon Jul 12, 2010 8:34 pm
Topic By: sonnie ON: Thu May 20, 2010 2:59 pm
hello all. i've been stable for the last two years but have lost most of my old friends. i'm 48 and single and spend to much time alone. i'm just hoping i can make a few new friends here. thanks.

Replies: 0
Views: 683
Last Post By: chimlacloai ON: Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:59 pm
Topic By: chimlacloai ON: Sun Apr 18, 2010 3:59 pm
Hi everyone, when I go looking for work, sometime I was asked if I have a handicap. I don't know what to say because I don't know if I can consider having sz as being handicap (since the side effect of the meds do create some limitations in my day to day fonction). And if so, anyone, how do I tell an employer that my handicap is sz without being discriminated? thanks

Replies: 0
Views: 761
Last Post By: chimlacloai ON: Wed Apr 14, 2010 7:27 pm
Topic By: chimlacloai ON: Wed Apr 14, 2010 7:27 pm
Hi everyone, when i go looking for work sometime they ask me if i have any handicap and i don't know what to say because i don't know if i could consider having sz as as being handicap or not and if it is what is the best delicate way to to say it without being discriminate? anyone can help me? thanks

Replies: 0
Views: 2126
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:25 pm
Topic By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:25 pm
Just wondering how many readers you have? How popular is the magazine?.

Replies: 2
Views: 2288
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:12 pm
Topic By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:12 pm
Great idea...I'm watching the cash at the moment, although I'm in the UK.

Replies: 2
Views: 2288
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:12 pm
Topic By: Confute ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:09 pm
I haven't read it, but I was just wondering whether you plan to purchase it or check it out from a library. I just checked online, and the two public libraries nearest to me both have it available. A free read is always nice.

Replies: 2
Views: 2288
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:12 pm
Topic By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 5:02 pm
Hi I'm thinking of getting Torreys book , "The Insanity offence".The reviews on amazon seem to reflect an on going debate about treatment in the community.Just wondering If you think it's worth reading?

Replies: 1
Views: 2360
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 4:57 pm
Topic By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 4:57 pm
I wish I could still run, I used to do mountain marathons and triathlons but now have a fractured spine that won't heal.I stopped running about six years ago.But now you mention it I have been on runs during an episode and been battered with voices whilst running. I can still ride a few miles on my mountain bike on a local country path which I intend to take up again when the weather gets better.

Replies: 0
Views: 2465
Last Post By: bsalera ON: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:19 pm
Topic By: bsalera ON: Sat Feb 06, 2010 10:19 pm
Dentists feel the economic downturn. My dental insurance is 35 amonth, cleanings at no cost and fillings 50% There are dentist that will take the 50%, that way you get quality work without a timeconsuming clinic or student. I hope these hints help someone.

Replies: 0
Views: 1992
Last Post By: bsalera ON: Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:39 pm
Topic By: bsalera ON: Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:39 pm
I got an attourney, did some funding homework, and am happy to say I am moving! If your situation is so that you can handle an apt. but your income is only disability please go see a legal aide attourney, Ask questions of funding to the leasing agent and you are in This has been an awnsered 3 year prayer. Betty

Replies: 0
Views: 2011
Last Post By: scott2828 ON: Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:10 pm
Topic By: scott2828 ON: Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:10 pm
Bill,

I met you a few years back when you gave a speech in my hometown on Vancouver Island.Although I came to this with a preconcievved notion I was delighted with your openness.You suggested that I contact you to be part of your monthly person of interest.I thought about it but declined as there are many preconcieved notions about people with this illness.I am a professional now and felt it would hinder my ability to offer my services.This illness as I was brought up to discover it based on the adrenochrome theory which can be offset with optimum doses of niacin or niacidemide.This is the bases of the treatment but the illimination of all refined sugers and dairy products also comes into play.
I was very fortunate in being able to see Dr.Abram Hoffer in the early stage of my illness as this is one of the key elements to sucessful treatment.There is a 90% chance of full recovery if treated in the first year and it drops to 50% after 5 years.Most of the information can be found in orthomed.og.
Thanks again for your continued efforts in eliminating the stigma associated with this illness.

Regards,

Replies: 1
Views: 2360
Last Post By: Tatler ON: Sat Feb 20, 2010 4:57 pm
Topic By: runner ON: Mon Jan 18, 2010 10:33 am
I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia last year and the voices never seem to leave. I run (a lot) and running is the only real thing that helps as of now. Does anyone else experience this with excercise? I am also running to raise money for NAMI and awareness that we can do things too. My Marathon is in June in California. Thank you.

Replies: 1
Views: 2658
Last Post By: Confute ON: Wed Nov 25, 2009 11:06 pm
Topic By: Confute ON: Wed Nov 25, 2009 11:06 pm
Exactly. I'm in vocational rehabilitation, and one of the things they teach is that the problem lies with the unfair person. Sure, it's not pleasant to be treated unfairly, but the unfair behavior actually says something about the unfair person, not you.

Replies: 1
Views: 2658
Last Post By: Confute ON: Wed Nov 25, 2009 11:06 pm
Topic By: bsalera ON: Wed Nov 25, 2009 9:00 pm
dealing with an illness or dealing inlife w/o one we all feel in one way or another that some haven't been fair to us. I just got some good advice Heal from it, let it go. Make the decision to go on with your life.
We know by noe life isn't fair and some people wont be. Lets let them deal with that problem and make the decision to be happy.