It's getting worse

That makes me nervous. I think I could do it if I just take 2 Valium instead of one. I hope it's comfortable. Sometimes I get so nervous I faint. I'm afraid of that. I just don't want to be there long at all. I know I shouldn't care but I'm still so embarrassed.

You aren't any different from many other patients they've seen. Nobody will blink and they will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable.

You have nothing to be embarrassed about.

Thanks. What should I do if my T and/or pdoc don't even recommend ip?

Tell them what you told us here and let him know you think it would be wise. I realize that might be hard. Just remember you are being proactive and taking care of yourself. I don't like going either, I've been forcibly taken in against my will, but trust me when I say it's not all that bad. One time the place wasn't good, in was in a very poor, impoverished neighborhood and that place wasn't top notch, but the others I've been to have been fine.

Alright I will. One thing I don't like is that my meds will change. I like the ones I'm on now - no side effects or anything.

But if they aren't working the lack of side effects is kind of useless? They may be able to just adjust doses of what you are taking or something without an increase.

I guess that's true... is there an increase to 450mg lithium 4 times a day, 10mg Valium 3 times a day, Zoloft 200 mg and seroquel 200mg? I really don't want to have to switch meds. Partly because I don't know if I can afford them.

Lithium goes by level, not dose, but you're on quite a bit so it may not increase much. Valium isn't used that much and honestly 5 mg knocks me out for many hours so I don't know about it; I'm surprised they are using it as klonopin and ativan are more commonly used. Seroquel can go up a lot from 200 (800 is the max approved dose; I've been on 1500 mg before). I don't know the dosing for Zoloft.

There are ways to get meds cheaply. Most name brand meds have patient assistance programs that give you meds for nothing. I use them for a few meds I couldn't afford otherwise. There are also programs like rxoutreach.com that drastically reduce prices and goodrx.com that help you find the best prices. But there are lots of generic meds that are quite cheap out there. You just have to tell the dr that cost is an issue. Again, social workers can help here. I would think you should be eligible for Medicaid. (Which in my state provides transportation to visits as well as covering drs, hospitals and meds)

Lithium usually works for me. The 10mg of Valium barely calms me down. I've never tried Ativan but klonopin didn't work for me. I didn't know seroquel could go up that high. At least there's some room for increasing it. I'll have to check out those websites for the meds. Thank you. The only thing I've used is a coupon for seroquel that was on their site. It reduces the cost tremendously. I'll have to do some research on Medicaid.

2 vallium is what I used to use and it was lights out at 10mg. I would be a walking zombie taking that amount 3 times a day and probably pretty depressed. But everyone is different. Perhaps that is a med whose side effects they may consider as part of it. Who knows. It's best to let the doctors decide all that for you.

You could call AstraZeneca about Seroquel:

Yeah I've read about it being different for everyone. I really wish it worked for me though.

Thank you very much!

I really wish it did too...don't give up hope, there are lots of things they can try. Tell them upfront about your concerns of having meds changed and prices go up. They can sometimes help you find a program which will help bring costs down. They know a lot about that stuff usually and have helped me out a time or two.

I usually bring a backpack full of clothes and something to distract myself with (books, coloring books). Slippers. Nothing with strings... that's prohibited. Anything you can hurt yourself with is prohibited, obviously. If you aren't sure if you can have something, you can always try bringing it and the staff there will make the call.

I've already tried so many anti anxiety meds. I'm worried there won't be anything left to try. I'll have my mom ask about the programs that will lower the cost.

Thank you I'll have to remember that.

Valium is the only benzo that's effective for my anxiety too. Try not to stress, it will all get worked out.

I'm worried I'll be put on a bunch of drugs and I'll feel like a zombie.

I totally understand...that actually did happen to me but you just tell them you're overmedicated. That's what I've learned here on PC. You have the right to have a say in your care and feeling like a zombie is an unacceptable side effect for you (I know someone who welcomes it). For most people that is not a tollerable side effect so you would just say "not working". Hopefully they will just do some minor tweaks and you'll just feel better. Try to stay as positive as possible, going in with a positive attitude will really help you. Just do your best, I know it hard, I know it's scary but once it's over it will be no big deal....the fears will go away once you get settled in a bit. You'll usually get a little tour and they will give you a booklet with your rights, read through that so you're informed. It's good information if you decide you want to leave for whatever reason. But give yourself time to adjust, you'll do great!

Alright I'll be sure to tell them if that happens. I know once I get there I'll be more at ease. I hope I have a private room, really hoping. Im just concerned about what's going to happen up until the hospital. Will my mom approve? Will my step dad think I'm just wasting money. He doesn't really get the whole MI thing.

Are you allowed visitors? I really don't want my mom to see me like that. But I'm sure she'll insist.

Visitors are usually allowed, there may be specific visiting hours. Really, being in a psych ward isn't that much different than a normal hospital stay. The main differences are being able to be up and about, as well as going to groups to help you learn coping skills. Also be aware there are different levels of psych care at some hospitals. Some have acute care for the out-of-control cases, and mood disorder units which are mostly depressed and lower-needs patients who have more freedom.

Thank you!

Will I be taken seriously if my symptoms don't really show? I'm quiet and don't tend to yell at my hallucinations or anything like that. I just keep it all to myself.

Anyone have any advice?