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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
Hi guys. I got my appointment with alcohol counselling today... and it was terrifying! Very in-depth interviewing. They asked me at one point if I had ever considered suicide, and I said yes, the thought had occurred to me a couple of times... and then when he asked me how I was going to do it, I back-pedalled madly saying that of course I hadn't meant it seriously because I remembered someone saying on this site to be careful not to use the word suicide, or you'll get committed! Anyhow, they say they can't do an 'in-home' detox because I have been having fits, and it wouldn't be safe. So they want to take me into hospital... for two weeks! I said I would have to think about it, and went home. I am now worried in case they force me to do something I don't want because I have a nine-year old daughter, and they are concerned for her safety, or something. Has anyone here ever been hospitalised for detox? Can they force me to do this, or try to get involved with care for my daughter? I am worried.
Lisa
Posted by Shar on April 29, 2002, at 12:39:12
In reply to An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
Lisa,
I have not been hospitalized for detox, but if you are having fits it may be the safest way for you. What I've heard is that they use other meds to help ease the discomfort of detox, and have counseling, etc.If it is at all possible, and you are serious about sobriety, and you are concerned about your fits, and all that--it could be a very good thing.
It's good that you are concerned about your daughter's well being. You could be giving her a giant gift by becoming a sober mom. It can be pretty scary to have a drinking mom, as my son can attest. Being a more aware parent happened slowly for me, and we had counseling to help.
I applaud your courage in taking these steps, bravo, kudos, good luck.
(PS--I am a recovering alcoholic and there were a lot of things that improved in my life once I'd been sober a few weeks, and kept improving with sobriety. A lot fewer things to feel guilty about, fewer amends to make.)
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 29, 2002, at 16:18:35
In reply to An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
Lisa:
I think you're in the UK - if so, I'm not sure how it differs from the US.
I don't think there is anyway they can force you into hospitalization. I'd really try not to worry about that.
When I started seeing my psychiatrist 2-1/2 years ago, he asked me about suicide. I did the exact same thing - I said "Well, um yes, but I'd never actually Do it." And I think I giggled.
Well, suprise, surprise, I've tried twice in the last two years, and, frankly, had tried when younger, I was just denying it.
I imagine a hospital is better than in-home. It gives you complete care and, hopefully, a good rest. But, again, I haven't gone to one, though I threatened to last summer. And they'd have to have follow up care afterwards.
If they are savvy, they'll understand the alcohol is related to the mental illness. I can't recall - what does your Dr. think?
Also, is it logistically possible - do you have someone to leave your daughter with? Remember, no one has to know why you're going into the hospital if you decide to go.
I agree with Shar - kudos for taking a step!!! I still get shaky everytime I have a pdoc appt.
- kk
Posted by judy1 on April 29, 2002, at 17:27:49
In reply to An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
I think I may be coming from a different approach here (being a Mom also) and a 'survivor' of psych hospitals. I have never had 'detox' of alcohol? but HAVE gone off numerous meds when pregnant and am also prone to seizures. What I did was have a strong and sensitive support group- husband, primary doc, therapist and shrink- and tapered off of depakote, klonopin, xanax and morphine outside the hospital. My shrink understood my fears, but then he was difficult to find and only did it because of all the support and because I was so damned determined. As far as being forced into a program, I wouldn't worry about it since you were smart enough to cover yourself with the suicide issue. Can you work out something like I did, maybe partial hospital- but I know they don't like the seizure aspect- been there. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Take care, Judy
Posted by Krazy Kat on April 29, 2002, at 18:31:24
In reply to Re: An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... » Lisa Simpson, posted by judy1 on April 29, 2002, at 17:27:49
Posted by ChrisK on April 30, 2002, at 5:37:08
In reply to An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
Lisa,
I have detoxed in hospitals in the US but they never lasted 2 weeks. Each time was 3-4 days - just long enough for the bad symptoms to subside. Here, they will monitor your symptoms every 4 hours and if necessary give you a Benzo to help ease the shakiness and anxiety associated with detoxing.
These detoxes only included monitoring of physical symptoms and weren't part of an overall rehab program. The rehabs came after detoxing and lasted 28 days. that was the time to work on the overall alcoholism problems.
When I detox I get severe sweats and shakiness to go with the fluctuating blood pressure and anxiety problems. In the hospital they just moniotored me and gave me Ativan to help with the anxiety.I would guess that if they want you to stay for 2 weeks then they are looking at a lot more rehabilitation during the 2nd week. I hope this makes sense to you- it's only my personal experience with hospital detoxes. Now I go through them by myself at home and take Klonopin as needed to get me through the rough spots.
Chris
Posted by Lisa Simpson on April 30, 2002, at 10:18:40
In reply to Re: An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... » Lisa Simpson, posted by ChrisK on April 30, 2002, at 5:37:08
Hi everyone - thank you all very much for your replies. Yes, I am in the UK... very astute of you, KK! And I am on seizure meds... something called Epilim. I still have managed to have a couple of fits while taking it, though. Thanks for your good wishes, Shar.
Chris, you mention that you only went in for about 4 days. I wonder if I could persuade them to let me come in for a shorter period of time? I'm not sure I want to spend two weeks in hospital - especially with a bunch of smelly old drunks! (Joke!)
(Is NikkiT2 still around, does anyone know...?)Lisa
Posted by tina on April 30, 2002, at 10:47:51
In reply to Re: An Update... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 30, 2002, at 10:18:40
I've been wondering the same thing Lisa.
Been worried about her.
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 2, 2002, at 10:10:04
In reply to Re: An Update... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 30, 2002, at 10:18:40
Sorry... been away on holiday for a month (Thailand which was simply total heaven and our island was total paradise!!) and then we had PC problems when we got back so only just got back on line!!!
Awwww, so nice to be missed... if that makes sense!! :o)
Posted by Lisa Simpson on May 3, 2002, at 6:00:42
In reply to I'm here!!! » Lisa Simpson, posted by NikkiT2 on May 2, 2002, at 10:10:04
Nikki! So nice to see you back. I was worried you had abandoned the board. Anyway, I just wanted to ask you a question... did you ever get admitted into hospital in the end? What happened? It's just that they are talking about admitting me into hospital for a detox, and I notice the hospital they are talking about is a mental one... and I'm kinda worried! Please can you tell me about your personal experiences... if you have any!
Many thanks.
Lisa
Posted by NikkiT2 on May 3, 2002, at 6:41:57
In reply to Re: I'm here!!! » NikkiT2, posted by Lisa Simpson on May 3, 2002, at 6:00:42
hey!!
Yeah, I did get admitted for as while.. ended up I was only there for a week, but thats a long long story!!
Anyway, it really wasn't as bad as i was expecting... I spent most of the time alone reading in my room, but no one really hassled me, I was left alone if I wanted to be alone. There was a TV room where I could keep intouch with my soaps (yes, I'm sooo sad!!), a smoking room (you weren't meant to smoke in your room, but everyone did!)... and you could bring your own tv in etc if you wanyted it for your room.
Its not as scary as it sounds, and it might do you alot of good... I'd grab the opportunity as you don't know when the next chance for something like this will come along.
What I liked most about it was the fact I was removed from real life and had nothing to worry about really while I was there so could concentrate on ME!
Take care, keep us up to date of how you get on!
Nikki
Posted by allisonm on May 7, 2002, at 10:21:30
In reply to An Update... Willow, Allisonm, Tina, Krazy Kat... , posted by Lisa Simpson on April 29, 2002, at 10:31:42
Sorry I didn't reply earlier. I've been "away."
My mom went into detox several times. I think it was good for her because she had no access to alcohol when the withdrawal symptoms got bad, there were medical personnel to keep an eye on her should she have bad reactions, and they gave her benzos to help ease the shakes etc. Once out of detox, she would be assigned to a therapy group to talk about her alcoholism. I think in some instances she also had a private therapist. When she got out of the program, she would go into an outside support group, which she atttended regularly.
I would not be afraid of detox. I think it could be very beneficial.
Take care. I'm sending warm thoughts and good wishes your way.
Allison
Posted by Lisa Simpson on May 13, 2002, at 7:28:20
In reply to Hi Lisa, posted by allisonm on May 7, 2002, at 10:21:30
Hi Alison - how're you doing? Thanks for your reply and good wishes. You mention your mum had a private therapist. Do you (or anyone else reading this) happen to know if you can get this sort of therapy under private medical insurance?
Thanks.
Lisa
Posted by allisonm on May 13, 2002, at 7:44:45
In reply to Re: Hi Lisa » allisonm, posted by Lisa Simpson on May 13, 2002, at 7:28:20
Lisa,
Yes, private insurance will pay for psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, but it all depends upon the policy. In the U.S., if your insurance covers mental health, it usually requires a referral from your primary care physician. The therapist generally has to be on a list of approved doctors that your insurance company supplies. The insurance policy most likely also sets limitations on how many visits, days of in-patient and out-patient hospitalization, etc.
For example, when I had mine, it paid 60% of the cost of 20 visits per year. I paid the 40%. Because I had major medical insurance along with the policy, it paid for I think 40% of any other visits for the rest of the year. Prescriptions were partially paid for. I usually had to pay a co-payment or a percentage of the cost, but the percentage was always lower than what the company paid.
Hope this helps.
Allison
Posted by allisonm on May 23, 2002, at 12:16:08
In reply to Re: Hi Lisa » allisonm, posted by Lisa Simpson on May 13, 2002, at 7:28:20
Hi Lisa.
Sorry. I have been away. At least with the insurance I have, yes, you can get a private therapist with a referral from your primary care physician. My mom saw a psychologist.
Good luck.
Allison
Posted by allisonm on May 23, 2002, at 12:16:53
In reply to therapist, posted by allisonm on May 13, 2002, at 7:44:45
I already answered your post. duh.
This is the end of the thread.
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