[shauns]

Hello,
I'm not sure what all to say. I've experienced delusions and voices my whole life. I never considered my thought process wasn't "normal" Now I have this diagnosis and it is frightening to think my brain doesn't work "normally" I'm mainly looking for support, and advice at how to start living with this disorder rather than my disorder running my life. I've already been through a few different meds. Currently taking haldol 5mg twice a day. Thanks for being here.

[James_from_Idaho]

Hello shuans.. Well, I can think of one thing.. Remember when you contemplate this illness, it is an illness like any other.. I mean, there are diabetics, and they have to take meds or they can lose limbs.. That helped me.. Hope things go well with your diagnosis.. And you find the right meds to help you.. Peace

[philbee]

i am also schizoaffective...had it for most of my life! used to get super paranoid and delusional on the bus. luckily i found a good psychiatrist who prescribed the right meds and keeps it under control. my current pdoc in virginia keeps the same meds and they work. it never goes away, but it can be controlled by the right meds and kept dormant. there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, it's just a matter of having the right meds and a good support system.

[philbee]

i used to take haldol when i was younger, but it didn't work. luckily dr. brodhead found the right meds (seroquel and risperdal) and i also take zoloft for the depression part of my schizoaffective. my thoughts and prayers go out to you shauns...i know how hard it can be.

[James_from_Idaho]

I just wanted to say, I am sorry about that diabetic comment.. I didn't realize when I said it, that it could be really offensive.. I tried to delete it, but it wont let me.. It was a really dumb thing to say.. My sister is diabetic.. And I am even borderline.. lol.. sorry

[patches4.0]

Originally Posted by philbee

i am also schizoaffective...had it for most of my life! used to get super paranoid and delusional on the bus. luckily i found a good psychiatrist who prescribed the right meds and keeps it under control. my current pdoc in virginia keeps the same meds and they work. it never goes away, but it can be controlled by the right meds and kept dormant. there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel, it's just a matter of having the right meds and a good support system.

I am a person with scizaffective and couldn't agree more. It takes time and the right meds and this illness can be managed. Don't let the illness be the center of your life, it's just a small part of who you are.

[philbee]

Originally Posted by patches4.0

I am a person with scizaffective and couldn't agree more. It takes time and the right meds and this illness can be managed. Don't let the illness be the center of your life, it's just a small part of who you are.

thank u patches! i had no idea we had that in common. thank u for your post.

unfortunately, due to recent events, my symptoms of schizoaffective have come back, but i will be calm, try to use my support system and take meds like i always do, and hopefully they will go away again.

[philbee]

they should go away i would imagine. they always do sooner or later. when the paranoia gets to be too much i try to leave the situation that is making me paranoid. shauns....u will be in my thoughts. it is hard to have a diagnosis like this, but like patches said, it can be coped with.

[shauns]

Thanks to all of you for your support and wisdom. I cherish it deeply and am so thankful to hear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel!!

[DePressMe]

hi, I've had "issues" since I was a child. Take heart...there are a lot of good people here to offer you support...D.

[FairyGodMother]

Hey there. Yes this can be scary and I totally understand. You have to arm yourself with knowledge. It's also a lot of trial and error when it comes to finding the right meds. Doing research and finding out I wasn't alone really helped me. You might even go thru several different Dr.'s too. It took me years to find the right meds. and right Dr.'s. I know that doesn't sound very comforting. What took me so long was years ago no one knew what to call this. Now we do. You coming here is a good first step to getting more help and info. With time you will find what works for you. Don't be afraid to tell your Dr. exactly what you are feeling. They really need to know even if you think it makes you sound more crazy. Trust me I know. It does help get you on the right track. I have had good results with Invega. Been on it for over a month. Other meds. didn't work or they would stop working. Plus I take Effexor too among other things. Lol You will make it. Don't give up. Hope this helps you.