[MagicsMom]

I've been in an intensive outpatient program and was doing well in the program - meaning I made it there

I've become extremely agoraphobic and anxiety/panic is through the roof which puts my bipolar into rapid cycling. So I've been sporadic in the last 2 weeks going to group.

The therapist said she's extremely concerned and wants me to go private inpatient for 7-10 days.

I'm so torn!!! I've never been in a psychiatric inpatient program.

Do I stay or go?

[wildflowerchild25]

Inpatient can be very helpful, especially if you're having a lot of anxiety. You'll have nowhere to go except groups. You don't have to worry about basics like making meals or doing day to day things except your daily living skills. Everywhere I've been has not allowed electronics which sounds lame but actually gives you a nice break from the demands of everyone. No texts, no Facebook, no twitter.

Out if the six places I've been, only two were really intolerable For me. The rest have been very helpful if I allowed them to help me. And I know you e been suffering for a long time. It might be worth it just to get a break.

I know you have a family to worry about but you might be able to be a better partner Nd mom if you go for a week to figure things out. Good luck!

[~Christina]

Inpatient can be a wonderful gift .. its time just for you to feel better. I have gone many times and have learned things each time that help me cope and deal with my bipolar.

[Victoria'smom]

If you trust your therapist then go.

[Nammu]

Since this will be arranged it will be less traumatic than if it it was an emergency. Ask if you can call the private hospital and talk to a nurse there. He/she can walk you though their program and tell you what you should pack. One thing I've found helpful is to take a notebook for journaling, it will need to be a non spiral note book though. After the first day it will get better, it's best if you can ask to go in at the beginning of the week. Like a Sunday or Monday. Going in on Sunday gives you time to adjust and be less anxious and help you get the most out of the stay.

[otroo]

I just got out of impatient and I got a lot out of it. I would say go for it they just might get your meds right.

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[MagicsMom]

Thanks everyone! I think I'm going to go talk to them on Tuesday and bring a bag in case they admit me. My therapist didn't want me to go on the weekend plus it depends on bed availability.

I have to get some clothes because you can't have anything with laces. I don't have any shoes like that except high heels and flip flops. There are no electronic devices allowed which I do not like at all.

Does anyone know if they usually let you bring your Kindle? It's just a regular reader - not a Fire.

Thanks again!

[wildflowerchild25]

Probably not on the kindle but maybe. Call ahead to where you are going to find out.

You definitely wouldn't want to go on the weekend. Super boring, plus the regular doctors aren't there so you don't even get your case started until Monday. You kind of waste two days lol.

Good luck!

[jack123]

Good luck and hope you get what you need from the program

[SillyKitty]

Good luck! Where I went they wouldn't let me have my nook, but they had books. Plus they let my husband bring me a couple from home.

[crazycatlady_83]

I went in voluntarily last year and it was much better than involuntary. I mainly went for a med change, and they just took away the Nuvigil that was making me manic. I just brought flip flops because I always wear them, and pj pants with just the elastic. Bring pants, because most hospitals will be cooler. I made the mistake of packing only shorts because it was about September, and I was cold most of the time. They let me bring my school books, but no pencil or pen.
Good luck to you!

[outlaw sammy]

Originally Posted by MagicsMom

I've been in an intensive outpatient program and was doing well in the program - meaning I made it there

I've become extremely agoraphobic and anxiety/panic is through the roof which puts my bipolar into rapid cycling. So I've been sporadic in the last 2 weeks going to group.

The therapist said she's extremely concerned and wants me to go private inpatient for 7-10 days.

I'm so torn!!! I've never been in a psychiatric inpatient program.

Do I stay or go?

DO IT! It can only help you. I say this both fro m experience and empathy for you.

[MagicsMom]

Thanks everyone! I was going to bring yoga pants and tee shirts with hoodies with the string removed since that's what I wear anyway. I thought of flip flops but didn't know if they'd be allowed.

[TheatreKid]

When I go to the hospital, it's usually a communal shower, and I bring flip flops to wear in the shower. You never know where other people's feet have been.

[MagicsMom]

The only thing holding me back is them removing my anxiety/panic medication. I was on Klonopin for 8 years and became tolerant to it. My PDoc just switched it to Xanax which has helped tremendously with the anxiety/panic. I take high doses because that is what is recommended for panic disorder. I had a heart attack at 40 and the constant anxiety/panic attacks scare me about having another one.

[wildflowerchild25]

They can't just take you off of that much Xanax cold turkey. They would have to wean you. They might want to, depending on the place, but even if they do if you feel worse you can ask your outside pdoc to take you back up. It would only be for a few days.

Do you take it as prescribed? It seems to me in the last place I was in they took a lot of people off their benzos, but I was on the psychiatric and addictions ward. They only took the addicts off the benzos. My pdoc actually made me take more lol.

[Sad&Bipolar]

There is nothing to be afraid of, inpatient programs can be very good at the right hospital.

The length of time suggested seems a little long. Most insurance companies like shorter stays. It usually is up to you and your inpatient doctor to discuss and decide about the right time to discharge.

Sometimes, being inpatient can be a relief - some one else cooks, cleans. You just need to concentrate on YOU. Bring along a good book, magazines for free time.

I find that listening to my therapist's advice is always a good choice.

[Nammu]

You can also take slippers, its not as if you are going to go outside. The only drawback to flip flops is that generally it is cool in there as someone here mentioned and cold feet could be a problem.

Do take a book. if social anxiety is part of the problem having a book to look at or read can help.

[deedoll363]

Inpatient can be extraordinarily helpful. I've been and its a great way to focus on getting the help. I went for depression so that's different but being cut off from daily stresses can improve symptoms greatly alone.

_____________________

Diagnosed with depression, social anxiety, ocd, agoraphobia and generalised anxiety disorder.
Meds:
Effexor 75mg

[SillyKitty]

They actually upped my klonopin and added activan PRN. It just depends on the place and dr. They only took the detox people off benzos.

[lonelychick]

The one I went to had to pre-approve outside books and magazines, so that may be something to keep in mind as well. As far as I know, everything people brought in passed. I think they were just making sure you weren't reading like, Sui for Dummies or whatever. I wore a lot of socks - I'm thinking it must be some sort of rule that these places are kept below a certain temperature. hehe. We were allowed pens and pencils, but nothing with metal parts. I actually took a coloring book and crayons, believe it or not. It helped pass time. Try not to worry about the meds - that's what these places are designed to help you with. I hope you can get some relief soon!

[MagicsMom]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

They can't just take you off of that much Xanax cold turkey. They would have to wean you. They might want to, depending on the place, but even if they do if you feel worse you can ask your outside pdoc to take you back up. It would only be for a few days.

Do you take it as prescribed? It seems to me in the last place I was in they took a lot of people off their benzos, but I was on the psychiatric and addictions ward. They only took the addicts off the benzos. My pdoc actually made me take more lol.

Thanks! I do take it exactly as prescribed but I read a review online of the place that they are anti Xanax and pulled her off it and made her go to substance abuse programs when she was not an addict because she was on a high dose. I don't care if they replace it with Klonopin - I can deal with it for a short time but if they take me off or even significantly lower it I'm out. It's the only thing that controls the anxiety/panic.

[MagicsMom]

Originally Posted by Sad&Bipolar

There is nothing to be afraid of, inpatient programs can be very good at the right hospital.

The length of time suggested seems a little long. Most insurance companies like shorter stays. It usually is up to you and your inpatient doctor to discuss and decide about the right time to discharge.

Sometimes, being inpatient can be a relief - some one else cooks, cleans. You just need to concentrate on YOU. Bring along a good book, magazines for free time.

I find that listening to my therapist's advice is always a good choice.

That's part of my problem. The therapist that runs the IOP thinks I need it but she's only known me for 1 1/2 months. My longtime therapist does not believe I need to go and I'll be asking my long term PDoc tomorrow what he thinks.

[MagicsMom]

Thanks all. Your input has been helpful. I'm very torn - I have agoraphobia - not total but 95 percent. I have no stress at home other than a teenage son and a needy MIL. My husband is my rock and I'm afraid it will do me more harm then good. I'm already overwhelmed with all the tools from IOP.

Even if I only went 5 days that's not enough to know if their med changes are appropriate.

I just don't know.

[Yoda]

We were allowed battery operated radios at the hospital where I went.