[Mamabug1981]

So, after the issues I had with my anxiety over the weekend, I called my doctor Monday afternoon to try to get a different anti-anxiety med. They never called back. By Monday evening the racing thoughts had changed to "voices" in my head promising me that if I took all my Ativan at once, they'd go away. I got scared, and headed for the ER. Telling them I was afraid I was going to hurt myself lead to 15 hours on psychiatric hold. 9 hours in the waiting room and 6 in a barren white treatment room. I think the doctor at the ER decided I had suicidal ideations caused by a bad reaction to the Ativan. They also upped my Geodon again, and gave me a different anti-anxiety med to carry me over. They did keep me fed and made sure I had water and everything I needed, I was pleasantly surprised that I was actually treated like a person instead of just another crazy. My biggest surprise was that everyone I came into contact with actually thanked me for coming in instead of staying home and doing something stupid. I didn't expect that part. Talked to the doctor, a social worker, the doctor again, before they finally decided not to admit me to inpatient. Instead I start an intensive outpatient program in the morning. And that pdoc that never called me back? Apparently he's only a nurse practitioner and has decided to discontinue my care under him because he feels I "need a higher level of care than he can provide." So now I have to find a new pdoc on top of everything. I'm hoping the outpatient program can help me with that too.

On the upside, my insurance got figured out >.<

[Victoria'smom]

I'm so sorry!!! I'm glad the ER treated you well and your able to start intensive outpatient tomorrow.

[~Christina]

I am so glad you reached out for help and received it Its wonderful to read positive stories of ER visits . Your IOP should be able to hook you up quickly with a Pdoc.

[newtothis31]

Glad to hear that you received such good care at the ER.

I found my p-doc through IOP- I asked the primary doctor there who he would take his kids to see if they were in my situation- and I ended up getting a pretty good referral.

Let us know how outpatient goes!

[Mamabug1981]

I just finished day 2 of outpatient, and I'm really glad they referred me there. I'm getting a lot out of it. I even ran into someone I know there! My program therapist offered to switch me to another group when she found out, but I honestly found it easier to cope with those first couple of days with someone I know, who it turns out is also bipolar, to talk to and lean on. My program pdoc is awesome, I met her today and she adjusted a bunch of my medication, ordered some medical checks, and a bunch of other stuff. She agreed with my rapid cycle bipolar 2 diagnosis, and also noted anxiety, paranoia, and insomnia. So we'll see how the new med stuff goes. My program T and I sat down today too and worked up my full treatment plan and set goals towards discharge. The program here is 4 weeks long. All in all I think it's going to be a good thing for me.

[lilypup]

Wow! Good for you. This kind of story gives so much hope to a lot of people. Keep letting us know how it is going.

[newtothis31]

Great work, MamaBug! Congratulations! Let us know how you progress- really wonderful to hear about great OP programs.