Feeling kind of relieved about DS#2 (longish)

[flex]

As some you may know, DS#2 was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. He had some scary psychotic episodes in January and February, and he was temporarily hospitalized. He has been on medication since then, which keeps the crazies at bay, but because of the med's side effects, he is definitely not the person he used to be. He says he feels "brain dead". I think there's hope that the right blend of medication will be made but in the meantime he's clearly unable to work. It breaks my heart to see him this way, but the alternative is unacceptable.

So since March he's been living with DS#1 as a temporary measure. He doesn't have his own room and sleeps on the couch at night. Having #2 live with DS#1 has put a strain on #1's finances because he's been buying most of the food. It's a bit of a stressful situation, but neither DS#1 nor I want DS#2 living on the street.

He could live with me, but my neighborhood does not have nearby bus service--in fact it's quite a long walk to get to a bus stop, so living with me would make it difficult for him to get to his caseworker/psychiatrist/counselor appointments.

Today #2 had an appointment with his caseworker, and I asked to tag along. While I was there at the appointment, she had him fill out the paperwork to get assistance for his bus passes, plus she had paperwork for food stamp application. I encouraged #2 to apply for that to make it easier for his brother, and he agreed.

Then his case worker proceeded to help him file for Social Security online, which is good news indeed. It's very clear that #2 will not be able to work now--if ever. Eventually his unemployment $$ will run out, and he really really needs help with getting out of the house and interacting with others, which he seems to have no inclination to do. She told me that it would take about 90 minutes to get it all done, so I had to leave at that point to get back to work.

I'm feeling very hopeful about this. I realize it'll take awhile before #2 will be able to take advantage of Social Security benefits, but it feels good that we are at least taking steps to get it going. :Y:

[speckledfrog]

I think that's wonderful news. It's great to take steps forward! I'm glad his caseworker seems super on top of things.

[roadstar]

Great news Flex. It sounds like a start.

[Mrs.Beagle]

That's great to hear, flex! It's wonderful that he has a strong support system and a good case manager.

It can be incredibly frustrating to get the right mix of medication, but there are so many available, I hope they can find what works for him.

[flex]

Jul 10, 2012 20:16:53 GMT -5 namasteak said:

It sounds like he has a wonderful caseworker! Would he be able to work if they got the right combo of meds?

I think so, but I'm no expert. They have changed his meds a couple times, and I have seen a bit of a difference.

[kdmac]

Great news! I hope that they are able to find a good combo for his meds soon.

[janiejones]

This is great. A big problem with schizophrenia is that once the meds are right, and the person is feeling better they often think they don't need their meds anymore. So stick on him, and make sure when it gets good, he knows that he can't wean off and expect life to stay the same.

Good luck flexi family!

[cbwm1]

This is really great news!!

[Deleted]

This is great news!!