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

[Kirsten]

Gayle, I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier. This is a scary situation for your family, for everyone involved. Do they have a diagnosis by now? They should have, especially when there are plans to medicate him, and I guess it's easier to find the right meds if they know what they're dealing with. If this is some kind of psychosis (and voices in his head sounds pretty much like it), it will be difficult for family members to care for that person as long as the psychosis remains untreated. Been around a psychotic person a few years ago, and yes, it was scary - and dangerous - until she got her meds! I really hope his doctors have any idea by now where this was coming from, so they can find a good therapy!

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts...

[gini]

You have so much on your plate right now I don't know how you do it.
Prayers will be offered for you and your parents.

[cassiesmom]

Just checking in for update. I'll keep praying.

[beeniesmom]

Some mental illnesses, the illness itself prevents the person taking meds. Schizophrenia is one of those - the person so believes they are all right and the world it out to get them, that they won't take meds.

I was very close with a person who had a 'schizophrenic episode', as the doctors called it. It's more common in men then women.
He spent some time in a hospital and was able to go home after a few months. I don't rememebr what medication they gave him, but it took many months for his 'voices' and hallucinations to go away. It was all so sudden. We were good friends and saw each other every day. It happened one day before mass started in church of all places; he just got up, ran to the alter and started saying he was Jesus Christ and that he had to save everyone. My friend and I thought he was joking around at first and were quite embarrassed... but he was very serious. We had to drag him off and took him home. When his unstable behaviour continued, his parents took him to the hospital. They never found out what happened to trigger the behavior. It's been years since I've seen or heard from him (since getting married). The last I heard he had just gotten married himself and was leading a normal life.
I hope things resolve themselves with your dad. It's very hard to see a loved one go through this. hugs

[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.