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My son

My son

I have a question. My son has been diagnosed with Negative Schozophrenia, approx 2yrs ago. He is on the depot injection. He appears somewhat relaxed and stable however the side effects are concerning in fact sad. My son was trim and slim 2yrs ago now he looks like he is 6mths pregnant. He never liked sugary drinks much now he craves for them as well as fatty fried foods? My son took a great deal of pride in his hygiene now he neglects it badly in fact he will shower 1 or 2 per yr I could count the showers he has has if I didnt nag he would not shower. His communication is sometimes good but overall 1 word answers and doesnt initiate communication. I am worried as I think medication should in this day and age be making someone happier and healthier not causing more problems. What do I do. I want to take him off this injection as Ive recently asked of a review and im getting to the stage whereby I feel guilty allowing him to go down this

15 replies

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In response to: My son

Re: My son

We all feel guilty when we shouldn't. If the roles were reverse you would not want your parent to feel guilty.

He is constanly trying to figure out what is real and what is not real, what is true and what is no true. It is so hard. Each individual takes it in different ways. Not knowing what is reality and what is not is so hard. Inside he is sane, he just can't figure out what is true and what is not.

In response to: Re: My son

Re: My son

hey @Time

Is your son on the NDIS? I am just wondering how we can turn this into a win/win situation. When you mention fighting, usually it ends up as a win/lose situation and that cant take a lot more effort than finding the win/win in the first place.

I ask if he is on the NDIS as if you can coordinate with a support worker and look at alternative therapies away from drugs? as an example, here is a relevant article I found about NDIS funding for equine therapy.

https://www.openminds.org.au/news/working-horses-proving-beneficial-david

I hope this information is okay and thanks for posting so I can provide it for you.

In response to: Re: My son

Re: My son

Hi Aussie recharger this is exactly what I'm talking about when I say holistic options. Grateful for your contribution well done good information. My son is on NDIS and his passion and his love interest is by far Football. I'd love to see him coach a small under age group of youths or little ones. My son is gentle kind and sweet human being with a passion for football and making up his own games when younger. Anyone know anything about how to get into this sport by way of NDIS assistance? This would not only get him out and about more but would support the love he has for this game. I will start by speaking to his case manager. Thanks all

In response to: My son

Re: My son

@Time Hi Time - if you and your son have not already done so, I would encourage you to explore alternative medications under the guidance of your son's psychiatrist. They continue to come out with new medications for MI, and there could be one out there that helps your son and has fewer side effects. I have to say that my son was at his most stable during the 12 months he was on depot injections; but the side effects of that medication eventually got to him. He went onto a new medication which has been okay. Sadly though, his current medication still results in some weight gain, but my son finds this particular med to be more palatable than the depot injection and other meds he has tried in the past; and he at least does take it. It's all a trade-off. Best wishes.

In response to: My son

Re: My son

In my experience, the negative symptoms are medication effects. Low dose oral Sero quel is the best of a bad bunch. I assume your son is under a community team. If he isn't on a Community Treatment Order and you can afford it, try private psychiatry but you may need to try quite a lot to get someone who is client centred.

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