So, I am manifesting signs of a relapse. The symptoms have developed quickly and they seem to be abnormal and aggressive. My care coordinator told me that it could be a case of a matter of weeks before I would have fully relapsed. I just wanted to know if some of you could tell me about your experiences, so I know what to expect as this will be my first and if I am honest, slightly scared.
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I hope they get you into hospital asap. Then you don’t have to worry what happens as you’ll be in a safe environment.
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I’ve come close a few times. Got slightly psychotic, all my positives were much worse. But I was able to get quick med adjustments/increases and that eventually helped stop me from relapsing completely.
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a) Nobody knows or cares who you are.
b) Nobody is out to get you.
c) Just go about your business like it was any ordinary day.
d) Don’t try to be a Hero. People like you just the way you are.
(Advice from a guy who has relapsed 5 times)
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Mine all came on pretty suddenly. Didn’t have weeks to prepare so I am not sure what to say. I never saw them coming. One day I would wake up and just feel really bad and then it would get worse.
Are you maxed out on meds? Maybe you can increase your dosage.
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@PatrickT I am confused… can you clarify the meaning of your message?
When I went spinning down the rabbit hole, I felt the whole world was mocking me…and I felt I had something to prove.
My point is, you have nothing to prove to anyone. Just relax and be yourself. Nobody is out to get you.
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@everhopeful at present we have an advanced directive in place, they wanted to me to make a decision today before we got to the point but I still need to think about it.
@TomCat I have not been on medication for over a year. However, I had previouly agreed to an advanced directive which states that in the event i get unwell, they must put me only on the clozapine treatment, in hospital
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@PatrickT I have not assumed anyone is out to get me… that is not my concern.
Okay. That’s good news. This unfortunately is the case with many Sz types when they relapse, and thought you may be in that boat.
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If you get hospitalized they will probably give you a shot of Haldol and a shot of Antivan. That’s what happened to me every time. No one ever asked my permission but I didn’t have any sort of directive.
They just stuck me with it.
Perhaps you may want to start meds again. Psychosis has never been gradual with me. It has always hit me very suddenly.
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They gave me a shot of Zyprexa and a shot of Ativan.
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My relapses mainly occurred rapidly (a couple of weeks) after stopping meds. I would have increased command hallucinations, paranoia about meds and food being poisoned, and intrusive thoughts I didn’t want. Last time I relapsed I quit eating and drinking, but since I had an advance directive on file they were able to give me IV fluids and other interventions I had specified in the AD. It saved a lot of worry for my family and helped avoid having to get court orders for everything. Sometimes you just can’t avoid a relapse, but having those advance directives in place will simplify things in that event and save you time in the hospital. It’s an excellent idea, make it very thorough…
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Sometimes doubling my meds would head off a relapse. But if there some stressful event that precipitated it sometimes you can’t avoid it and are on the slippery slope to the hospital.
But once you get stable, relapses become less common or even cease. If you find the right med don’t mess around, and stay out of the hospital.
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Most important thing is sleeping for me. I have Ambien on hand for just such cases. Sleep is A huge sign for me
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Just a question. For those who have relapsed, do you remember what caused your relapse and the time it took from the symptoms to the relapse?
What are your symptoms if you don’t get paranoid?
I struggle more so with negative symptoms, the positive ones are not so consuming @SunLion
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Relapse for me usually starts with for some reason not taking my meds either on my own or per pdoc’s orders. First symptom of relapse I get is lack of sleep. Then, I get paranoid with mumbling voices hallucinations. Then, I usually get open and closed eye hallucinations of a horrific character. I can get terrible olfactory (smell) hallucinations too. Maybe start seeing shadow men following me everywhere and yes, they will be carrying pistols and I am the target. I get telepathy and mind reading symptoms too. I can get very emotional. Start crying over nothing at all like over T.V. commercials. Or I can start laughing about inanimate objects. I can start feeling suicidal. I get paranoid delusions like some person or institution is out for my life. In other words, I am a mess when I relapse.
As long as I take my meds, and do all my coping skills, I am just fine, thank you.
Thank you Gina, how long does it take for the relapse? @SkinnyMe
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