the start of week 6 for daughter

Treatment and medication
1

the bad points, her sleeping is still not good, horrendous sweats, rapid heart, and now nightmares/bad dreams. a couple of unsure/anxiety moments but not as bad.

good points, no tears this week, managed so far this weekend without a meltdown, or anxiety, and is looking forward to xmas.

the shakes seem to have abated for now,  she has  struggled to get out of bed a couple of mornings, but thats due to not sleeping i think.

she has also been on the depo jab for about 5 years( for medical girly problems) and stopped this , so side effects for that could be responsible for any of her issues. but thats early days.

when she is having a sad time, she curls up in the chair, under the blanket and just rides it out.

last night she gave me a little pandora bag, with a heart ring in, as a thankyou for looking after her the last few months, it was a beautiful thing to do, and just melted my heart, i keep reminding her how far she has come from day one, and how proud i am,

in reality all i have to offer is words.....luckily they seem to have been the right ones.

i hope the sun is shining for you today, or at least shows its face at some point.

keep smiling. xx

2

Hey there. All sounds pretty positive. Ive had two relatovely good days and as sully as it sounds i feel a bad day coing on when really there should be no difference in yestersay and today. Sleep is still a bit sketchy for me and i think this definitely correlates with tears and frustration. I am about to start my 6th week on flu i think, 2nd week on 40mg. I hope my anxiety goes away although was able to go to town yesterday on a busy saturday which im giving myself extra credit for. Day to day living is what its all about.

Chris 

3

going to town on the busiest shopping day is good! daughter managed it too, but earlier had anxiety as she couldnt find socks, sounds daft, but it was enough to cause a little blip.

we do it hour by hour here, as its possible she can go downhill in the blink of an eye, although its mostly she wakes up and knows its going to be a "sad" day.

daughter is on 20mg, and so far so good, if its sad, or bad, or a good day, they are all normal, and she just seems to accept it. and its fabulous the good are starting to creep in a little more than the sad days now.

i watch all this with her from the outside, constantly checking her mood, how she speaks, the look on her face, ect, and she has done so well, and come so far in really such a short space of time. she says she doesnt feel like her normal self, but doesnt know why not.

thnaks for replying iamchris, and today i hope your smiling. x

4

Hi karen

 Sounds like she has done really well and she is very lucky to have you, you really seem to get the whole thing and understand all the ups and downs, that is everything you need. What a lovely gesture from her, you sound so close its lovely to hear. 

Her hormones could well be all over the place from stopping the depo so that could be setting her recovery back a little. Hope her sleep settles down that can make all the difference. 

Wishing you both lots if smiley days. :-)

Vix

5

Hi Karen

Well my heart just melted for you too reading about the beautiful gift your daughter gave you.  What a little sweetheart she is :-)

She'll get lots of ups and downs along the way ..... a normal part of recovery.  These can go on for months, and the down periods will peter out eventually.

The side effects will ease as time goes on too.  Sometimes people rush to increase their dose thinking they aren't getting better, or not quick enough, but all that does is give you more side effects which then have to be ridden out too.

So much time is needed to recover, and it's not far for your daughter now.  It was about 3-4 months for my son to feel 80% better and to join the world again.  He'll improve more as time goes by too.

Yes, just soothing words, love and encouragement when your daughter is having a bad time.  She is doing so well and I think our children have had an enormous task to cope with for their young years.  Well done to both of them!  

Wishing you both a relaxing and well Christmas :-)

K xx

6

awww thanks, we are close,  the only understanding i have is seeing my mum, as i grew up battle manic depression, and my time working in the nhs,

i hope today is brighter for you. xx

7

thankyou,

, just reading on here what people are going through pulls at my heart, it helps me, to help my daughter, and understand what this medication is all about, it seems a long road with lots of pot holes, but you will all get there with lots of patience, understanding and "me" time.

im so glad your son is in a better place now, and i hope you spend a lovely christmas together.

i have also decided when the time is right and the DR suggests coming off it, we will ask for the liquid version, and drop by 1mg a time, to try and lesson the side effects from coming off it. 

enjoy the holidays, xx

8

Yes, considering my son was at the point of throwing himself from a bridge a few months ago which just about broke all of us, he's turned the corner big time now.  Christmas certainly looks welcoming now.

This is an awful illness, and is often hidden from people.  I think sufferers and carers learn so much throughout this.

Didnt know there was a liquid form of this medication - what a brilliant idea when withdrawing.  I shall make note of that.

K xx

9

Bless him,  he has been on a tremendous journey for such a young age, you have guided him,  and been beside him every step,  well done yourself. 

With daughter I notice that the very small things I do touch her. 

Sending a text, smothering her in kisses, it seems to make all the difference. 

I do hope he continues his journey with smiles and the new year begins with happiness for you all.  Xx

10

Yes indeed he has.  Something I never envisaged my child ever going through.  

Everything helps, and your daughter knows she has you and great support.  Such a tremendous help.

But we, as mothers, wouldn't do anything less for our children would we.  Precious, whatever their age.

Yes, let's hope the New Year brings fresh hope and new beginnings.

K xx