Had a rough day today.
Last edited Mon Aug 12, 2024, 09:52 PM - Edit history (3)
My 43 year old son suffers from schizophrenia. He normally is afraid to go anywhere. Sometimes it’s tough to get him to go to his appointments. About two weeks ago he volunteered to go with me to the store. I was happy and considered that a major milestone. He doesn’t drive and doesn’t have a car. But he does have a bicycle. He hasn’t ridden that in a year or more. Without telling anyone he decided to go on a ride. This is the first time he has gone missing. We went out and tried to find him. Talked to the police and had them looking for him. 3 cars, 2 motorcycles, and the police. We made sure to emphasize he wasn’t violent.
Finally found out he had ridden about a half mile and had heart palpitations aka afib. A couple saw him on the ground and called 911. He was taken to the emergency room. He was talking incoherently. Later he was moved to the icu. He’s doing good but still elevated heart rate and is going to see a specialist. Had a long talk to the nurse about him so they understand things like he talks to his self and sees people. But has never raised a hand to anyone. The hospital has a pretty tight icu visitation schedule. So I’m at home tonight.
Anyways this has been a rough day. Will update as I get more information.
Edit: he has just been moved to the cardiac care unit.
Edit 2: The doctor said he can come home tomorrow. This has got to be the worst organized hospital I’ve seen. They cut off his clothes which is to be expected. But they lost his billfold. The license is with his sandals but everything else is missing. They called last night said their pharmacy didn’t have two of his medications and bring them this morning. When I brought them in the nurse on shift had no idea and couldn’t find anything about it. It’s his nighttime medicine. There are just so many other little things I’m not going to try listing.
Edit 3: they still didn’t get his normal medications right tonight. Had to go through all of it again. My son started cutting up some wanting to remove his iv and leave right then. I got him calmed down and went out to the hallway to tell her that’s why I’ve been trying so hard to get it setup. It finally made it through their thick skulls he needs to stay on the medicines. This is where people have to understand when nurses/doctor/police officers don’t have proper training things can go bad fast. The nurse and doctor knew he had problems before I even arrived. The psychiatrist he goes to is in the same online portal and they already had a hard copy on hand when I first made it there yesterday. But they ignored it.
I am getting him one of the gabb phones. It has parental controls, I can gps track him, and I can set an alert zone if he goes past the area I define it alerts me on my phone. Emergency workers can hit an emergency contact alert which will call me.
= new reply since forum marked as read
Clearly life with your son has many challenges. I sincerely hope he gets better. Oh, and I love you. 
I've had afib from time to time, so I know whereof you speak. I've never had schizophrenia but I'm sure it really complicates the situation.
It sounds as though he's in an appropriate place and with the staff understanding him--that should help.
Please do update us! There are many caring people here on DU. We will help support you during your crisis.
difficult, My brother suffers from the same illness. He was very violent at one time, Refused to take meds,Your family and your son are loved, Love, Debbie,Do you have any family or friends you can at least lean on for support and comfort? You know you have us, but not always as good as in person.
