My dad's lost his mind.....here we go again

[Queen of Poop]

Sorry for making everyone wait for an update.

Finally, we know what is wrong. More or less. Schizophrenia. But my dad's not typical. He's been able to hold a job, have a marriage and a family (sort of) and is highly intelligent.

He's on meds, but only 1 mg. It will take a considerable amount of time to work him up to probably 6 mg.

His latest things are: the voices have told him my mom is dead, that the woman who calls is an imposter, that their house burned down, that someone is putting something in the food. The doctor is trying to convince him that the food is safe and so far he's still eating. They are going to give him escorted walks very soon as they don't consider him a "runner", he's too old and in poor shape.

My mom is having trouble accepting that he may not come home, that no amount of meds will make him safe to be out.

Thanks everyone for your support with this. I do pass along the comments to my mom when we chat on the phone. She is amazed by our community and the kindness that is shared.

[Kirsten]

Sorry for making everyone wait for an update.

Finally, we know what is wrong. More or less. Schizophrenia. But my dad's not typical. He's been able to hold a job, have a marriage and a family (sort of) and is highly intelligent.

He's on meds, but only 1 mg. It will take a considerable amount of time to work him up to probably 6 mg.

His latest things are: the voices have told him my mom is dead, that the woman who calls is an imposter, that their house burned down, that someone is putting something in the food. The doctor is trying to convince him that the food is safe and so far he's still eating. They are going to give him escorted walks very soon as they don't consider him a "runner", he's too old and in poor shape.

My mom is having trouble accepting that he may not come home, that no amount of meds will make him safe to be out.

Thanks everyone for your support with this. I do pass along the comments to my mom when we chat on the phone. She is amazed by our community and the kindness that is shared.

I'm sorry about that. Sounds difficult - for him, and for everyone involved. How horrible and scary it must be to have these voices in your head, telling you all these terrible things... I really hope the meds will bring some relief.

Is it that kind of schizophrenia that's related to age? He didn't show any signs of it when he was younger, did he?

Keeping you all in my thoughts... (((hugs)))

[Catty1]

It is something of a relief, I suppose, to have a diagnosis.

I pray that the meds can slowly increase and that they work well for your dad. To have those constant thoughts in your head is not fun, either. Prayers for healing and peace for you all.

[momcat]

Now you and your Mom finally have some answers. I can understand what a difficult time this must be for both of you. Please say hi to your Mom for me and be assured that all of you remain very much in my prayers

[pomtzu]

I had an aunt with schizophrenia, but at the time I was just a kid and had no idea what was wrong with her - I just knew that something wasn't right. She lived in an institution and would get occasional weekend visits to her sister (they were both old maids), and I can remember my Dad having to drive her back "home" on Sunday nights. It was something that wasn't talked about around us kids, and it wasn't until I was older that I knew what was going on. Back then (in the 50's), they didn't have the meds that are available now, and it was pretty much keep them heavily sedated, or just let them be, as long as they weren't a threat to anyone.
Hopefully with the progress that has been made over the years and the meds and treatments now available, that your Dad will regain some sort of normalcy and perhaps even be able to return home at some time in the future. My prayers go out to him and all of the family. Hang in there, Gayle.

[wombat2u2004]

It is something of a relief, I suppose, to have a diagnosis.

I pray that the meds can slowly increase and that they work well for your dad. To have those constant thoughts in your head is not fun, either. Prayers for healing and peace for you all.

If they know what is to be treated, then they are miles ahead.

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Gayle, I am so sorry to hear about your dad and his newly diagnosed condition. I can only imagine how hard this is for you and the rest of your family. I will definitely be keeping your father, mother, and of course you and your other family members in my thoughts and prayers. We love you and we are here for you, Gayle!

[Bonny]

Have been reading the posts about your dad.I am so glad they have found out what is wrong with your dad & hopefully the medicines will help him. Praying for you Gayle & your family. (((HUGS)))

[*LabLoverKEB*]

Just wanted to say that I'm still keeping your father in my prayers as well as your mom and rest of the family.

[Freedom]

Sorry for making everyone wait for an update.

Finally, we know what is wrong. More or less. Schizophrenia. But my dad's not typical. He's been able to hold a job, have a marriage and a family (sort of) and is highly intelligent.

My mom is having trouble accepting that he may not come home, that no amount of meds will make him safe to be out.

Having the diagnosis is very helpful in treatment, and for the family to understand a bit of what is going on with him.

I am sure this is hard for your mum to adjust to, such a big unexpected change. She probably figured they'd go on until one of them dropped dead, or had to go to a nursing home. Just vague "sometime in the future" stuff. Suddenly, as with any chronic illness, the future has changed plus has arrived, all at once. It does take time to wrap your head around such suddenness. It's not just that, but all the things she had planned for them together are now gone, as well. Give her time, let her talk. You also will feel all sorts of things, and need to as well.

Sometimes, understanding the illness helps, sometimes knowing he is safe and well cared for helps. Sometimes visiting and seeing him carry on that she's not his wife, she's an imposter, helps to sink in the new situation.

Blessings to all of you at this time. Please try to find some peace with this.

[cassiesmom]

Gayle, I am so sorry to hear about your dad and his newly diagnosed condition. I can only imagine how hard this is for you and the rest of your family. I will definitely be keeping your father, mother, and of course you and your other family members in my thoughts and prayers. We love you and we are here for you, Gayle!

I'm just checking in again for an update. I'll continue praying. Couldn't agree more with what Lab Lover has written.

[phesina]

Continuing prayers for you and your family, dear Gayle.

I'm glad there is a diagnosis now, so you and your mother can come to understand and you know that your dad is getting the treatment and care he needs. All three of you are going through MAJOR changes in your lives.

,
Pat and cats

[Freedom]

I still keep all of you in my prayers. Just read this latest. You know the review board is familiar with these types of situations. Just maintain the documentation and it will work out.

[cassiesmom]

Oh, boy. Q of P, I'll keep praying for you and your mom, and for your dad too. I agree with what everyone said, that he doesn't sound ready for discharge yet.

[Queen of Poop]

His hearing with the review board is Wednesday, November 16th. My birthday. Hopefully my gift will be that he's to be kept there for a while longer yet, that he will hear the words my mom's going to say and maybe realize he does need the help/meds afterall.