Posted by Sulpicia on April 4, 2001, at 17:18:30
In reply to Re: Panic Disorder/OCD/Suicidal Ideation HELP! » Sulpicia, posted by AnneL on April 4, 2001, at 1:14:46
> > Oh god have I been there. My daughter actually hit me when we came to visit
the day after her admission. Just be stoic and matter-of-fact and realize that it
will get better. This is just about the only thing she can control right now, so I
bet you can guess how she is feeling. I managed to cheer mine up on the second day
with food -- perhaps a favorite treat? She will also get a bit more cheerful once she
starts to earn privileges. When they're first admitted they have none and are subject
to a ton of restrictions. Absent active psychosis or violence or suicidal stuff, they
usually get privileges fairly quickly. It sounds awful that I know this system so well.
My daughter was most interested in change for the vending machines -- a most coveted
thing!Two things to keep in mind at this point, aside from keeping your own head together
[keep repeating "this is not my fault", because it isn't], 1]don't bring a ton of her
stuff to the unit. It will get lost, stolen, destroyed, or argued over.
2]Unless you are totally blessed, the staff will start discharge planning immediately.
Do not allow yourself to be bullied or coerced. It took us 4 admissions until they did\
the right thing -- which was to send her to a longer-term facility that specialized in
treatment of dual-diagnosis. I'm sure this won't happen to you but I mention it only f
from bitter experience -- the bottom line is that you can refuse to take her home if you
believe it's inappropriate. The staff will threaten to call child welfare and prosecute
on charges of abandonment, but the reality is they won't. It does help if you can have
the pdoc who was treating her as an outpatient speak to the unit pdoc. Don't assume that
they would contact each other.Make sure the unit pdoc communicates with you personally -- as in in person, rather than
some silly telephone tag game. Bring paper and pencil, write things down, ask questions,
and get phone numbers so you can follow up when the inevitable questions come to you later.While I remember this, regarding your insurance, they will more than likely act like jerks
at some point. Check out the appeals process NOW, just in case so you know time limits and
process. Also, little known trick: if you feel your child must stay inpatient and the insurance
denies it, you can pay the per-diem rate at the hospital at the capitated rate -- i.e. the same
discounted rate that the insurance co. would pay to the hospital IF YOU ASK FOR IT. YOu can
go after compensation later and your child will still be in treatment.Take care of yourself and I hope you get a good clear diagnosis.
I'll check back later.
Best,
Liz
poster:Sulpicia
thread:149
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/child/20000813/msgs/158.html