In it for the long haul...

[Smc]

OK... moving on from my old "something not right" thread, since the D.I.D. diagnosis we were given way back when has long since turned out to be inaccurate. We're still not really sure what would constitute an "accurate" diagnosis for our Older Daughter. Between psychotic symptoms, SH, SA's, assorted possibly psychosomatic illnesses (and some which may be real, but it's hard to tell one from another), some dissociative behaviours and a whole nest of other things... we really truly don't know. But it's been well over a decade of struggle, some times more extreme than others.

So peoples who know me, I'll use this thread to post updates from now on. If you don't know me... the old thread is here, but be warned, it's a long and complicated read. D.I.D.... 

And my personal self-care-ish spot here. Holding the ends together 

[Smc]

@Determined, @Shaz51, @Faith-and-Hope. Tagging you in as some of my fellow "long-haulers". xx

After a very welcome months-long break from Older Daughter's SH, break's over... Several incidents in the past week, and the latest will need specialist attention. Thankfully, this time the specialist needed is available in the local hospital, so we won't have to drive for one or more hours to and from the closest available. But every time this happens, she likely comes out if it with somewhat reduced hand function... and every time there's the possibility that this time the treatment won't be successful. She relies on craft activities so much for supporting her MH, and the prospect that she may preclude herself from being able to do so is kinda scary.

As is often (maybe always?) the case, the SH was at the urging of her "voices". The specialist isn't available until Thursday, there is a danger that she may repeat the SH between now and then, but there's no regular bed available in the hospital, and the Mental Health Unit doesn't want to take her as she's too "high risk". Seriously... if the MHU can't take "high risk" admissions, who can???

So Hubby and I are having a bit of a flattened day. The phone has again turned into the "on call" signal instead of being an innocuous communication device. Yeep.

[Shaz51]

Thank you for the update my @Smc , sending you lots of tender hugs my sister xoxo and praying for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏❤❤

Sitting with you xx

[Determined]

Thinking of you and family @Smc 

[Anastasia]

Oh @Smc I hear you and I'm sorry. 

Such an awful road, walking with you hoping the turning point is near x

[tyme]

Sounds so hard @Smc ,

The idea of being "too high risk" for a MH ward reminds me of parts of my journey. I'm not too ashamed to say I was many a time deemed "too high risk" for a MH ward. I believe it is because if anything happens, they don't want it on their shoulders....so I understand where they are coming from, yet I also see the frustration of parents who are seeking support for their children.

I didn't understand this at the time, but I think I understand it more now. I think - if individuals continue to feel the need to SH in a ward, then it's perhaps not the right place for them? (This is just my thinking and I don't intend to open a can of worms).

Whatever it is, I hear you, and hope and pray that you'll find solace in the midst of everything.

Take care,

tyme

[Smc]

@tyme, it's one of those nasty no-solution situations that show that the system needs an overhaul big time. In the meanwhile, we have to try to find a way through regardless... glad to hear you're in a better space now.

[Smc]

So the latest update is that Older Daughter was able to get the necessary repairs slightly sooner by going down to a Big City hospital. She's now home and seems to be coping OK? but it was a lot of stress on us and other extended family members getting her to and from there at short notice.

Currently, she's trying to get some follow up support from the local MH team, but they seem reluctant to step in.

[Shaz51]

Fingers crossed  that your daughter can have some follow up support very soon @Smc xxx

[Determined]

Thinking of you @Smc 

Trust all is as well as it can be for you and family. 🙏