[madisgram]

Quote:
Originally Posted by pegasus
Hello madisgram, what is the question you want to ask specifically? I'm sure people are happy to help here.

thanks,((( peg))), good point. i just needed to see if i got a reply before i started pounding you all with questions.

1. when david hears the voice, it's usually the same man, should i encourage him to ignore the voice? i've read 2 different schools of thought on this. yes and no basically are the answers i read. is there an activity we can do that can divert his attention somewhat so he's not so tormented? i suggested we take a walk yesterday but it wasn't too successful.

2. i've been to another forum that tells me that some music can provoke a downswing in mood. i witnessed this yesterday while we were in the car. how do i know which music to avoid? should i ask david directly?

3. given that he has a phd in psychology i can especially appreciate his depression about having this condition. he was well aware many years ago what was happening to him. will his moods vascillate like a bipolar person(me) or does it have other chemical causes?

4. david seems to move in slow motion. mind you he's 61 but that isn't old-old to me. he has difficulty remembering things. like basic directions of how to do something. should i expect him to focus more on what i am saying or is this another characteristic of the condtion?

5. do i wear him out by trying to carry on a discussion? the other day we had a good day. he and i talked a lot and he seemed very lucid. (more lucid thsn i've seen him in over 5 years. the following day he was wiped out and depressed. so should i keep conversations shorter?
ok that's enough to get some feedback on for now...i hope i don't seem "stooopid" but my heart and soul wants to do all i can to enrich his life and make it as pleasant as i can. i'm not terrified of the role of caretaker but i know there are some "clues" that will assist me, with pc's help, to better understand the dynamics.
one thing i've already noticed is david seems so comfortable with my sweet doggie. that is a good start in the right direction. now the two legged master of doggie needs some help. thank you all for reading and i look forward to some replies.

[free2beme]

((((((((madisgram)))))

I have used music (whatever type they enjoy)
via head phones in a work setting
to help patients deal with hearing voices. They say this helps.
I would avoid whatever type he heard yesterday.

Voices are real to the person hearing them.
Validate that you believe him if he says that he hears a voice.
Don't agree that they are real.

David also needs time to adjust to the new environment.
This is a positive change, but I'd say he needs some time
to get used to the new rules and environment.

The doggie is now a pet therapy dog.
My patients seemed to enjoy their conpanionship,

Meds, to me, appear to put people in the slow-mo mode.
Talk to his Dr. about this and any other concern you have.

[madisgram]

Originally Posted by free2beme

((((((((madisgram)))))

I have used music (whatever type they enjoy)
via head phones in a work setting
to help patients deal with hearing voices. They say this helps.
I would avoid whatever type he heard yesterday.

Voices are real to the person hearing them.
Validate that you believe him if he says that he hears a voice.
Don't agree that they are real.

David also needs time to adjust to the new environment.
This is a positive change, but I'd say he needs some time
to get used to the new rules and environment.

The doggie is now a pet therapy dog.
My patients seemed to enjoy their conpanionship,

Meds, to me, appear to put people in the slow-mo mode.
Talk to his Dr. about this and any other concern you have.

oh, ((((ftbm)))), thank you so much for your insight!!! i can't tell you how much seeing your reply did to lift my spirits.
will get the head phones...great idea! i wondered at first why he turned up his music so loud and then realized it was to drown out the voices. and this is a super idea.
plan to be a part of his pdoc treatment so will discuss the meds at that time-2/10/09. we're usiing the VA system and my son and i do have some reservations about them over-medicating patients. if need be i'll outsource his pdoc.
gotta run..but many hugs to you for your "helpful hints".