Inpatient-12 month programme...

[x-Silvermist-x]

Today was awful. Last night there was another drug error (6th so far for me and I've been here 6 months). I was angry but resisted the urge to scream and shout at the nurse. Anyway, today I saw the psychiatrist in passing and he said to me I see you tricked the nurse into giving you more medication last night. I said no I didn't. He said you worked in a pharmacy you know the maximum doses of drugs and then closed the door. Needless to say I was very upset and left speechless by what he had said. This isn't the first time such a harsh comment has been made. He told another patient she was going to rot in psychiatric hospitals for the rest of her life. I am still livid at what he said to me but as usual what can I do.

I've waited 10 hours so far for some simple linctus. The psychiatrist was supposed to write it up this morning whilst he was here but didn't (I think this was out of spite personally). I was told they had called another Doctor at 4pm but as yet it still hasn't been written up. Again, I'm stuck in a situation where I am powerless.

On a positive note The Care Quality Commission (CQC) came to inspect the hospital today and I think every patient spoke to her. The majority of things were negative. She was pretty speechless when I told her what the psychiatrist had said to me.

[Ellyx]

You mention that you have Aspergers syndrome. Before I was diagnosed with Bipolar, I was labelled with BPD, and after being inpatient for ages, they were looking at sending me somewhere similar. However when the unit I was in made a referral it was mentioned that the BPD program would be completely unsuitable for somebody with Aspergers and it would probably worsen my health not improve it.

What you could do do for your next tribunal (someone I was friends with in a previous specialist ward did this though they paid private) She got an independent psychiatrist to come and visit her. She explained to him why they thought it wasn't working, and he then gathered and read her notes, spoke with staff and provided a report meaning she was sent somewhere more suitable. It wasn't a be all and end all, as she was in hospital for a further 11 months, but it was just somewhere far more suited to her needs.

This could be worth a try if you can get a psychiatrist to see you who is independent of the hospital (they wont be so "bias") and maybe bring up the Aspergers.

If you can't do the above, I would suggest speaking to an advocate from somewhere like Mind, and telling them everything you have said here. I'm not a professional, but it does sound to me like the program isn't working for you, and if you do need to be on a program, there are many many others out there that use different types approach. Its worth at least speaking to an independent advocate because they can best advise you, and the hospital cannot stop you from doing this, I believe you have the right under the MHA. Somewhere that does things differently could work better. I was told at my specialist unit that if you are happy where you are, you will engage more and recover better.

[beautiful_seclusion]

Wow those comments sound very inappropriate. I'm glad you had someone you could complain to about them. I agree with the above post. If you aren't diagnosed correctly, treatment can make you worse. It did for me, and I definitely know that if I were in a situation like you it would definitely worsen me. And it sounds like its not being helpful for you either. So if you can get a second and unbiased opinion, maybe they can reassess if your current treatment is actually helpful or if you need to be given an entirely different type of treatment.

[x-Silvermist-x]

Thanks for the replies. My psychiatrist said that he wanted to repeat the aspergers test that I did at my previous hospital so that he was certain of the diagnosis, however, this was said months ago and there has been no test. I definitely think that having aspergers is why I struggle so much with socialising and communicating and trying to force me really isn't helpful.

Would I have to pay for an independent psychiatrist to come and assess me? Who would I ask for this? Could it be done via my solicitor.

I agree that you're never going to be 100% happy in any hospital but to be in a place where you think you're being heard and you can trust staff would be helpful. I have never been so unhappy in any other placement.

The Doctor made another sarcastic comment yesterday. I asked for some Ibuprofen for my headache, the nurse asked him and he was laughing saying 'better get the dose right' Totally uncalled for.

I was on the verge of doing something last night. I honestly thought I was going to but instead I got a piece of paper and wrote down feeling words/emotions, I gave it to a member of staff to put in my key-workers tray. I've spoken to him today but not mentioned the feelings/emotions sheet. I've explained how frustrated I am as out of 5 things I requested I got 1, then they wonder why we lose hope.

[minnie]

heya razorbladekisses

sorry to hear you are in hospital.......I would definately put a written complaint in about your psychiatrists comments.....it doesnt matter if the nurses who heard him dont back you up ....you NEED to put a complaint in about him as he shouldnt be a psychaitrist hun....its so uncalled for saying them comments....it doesnt matter if you were in the pharmacy business that has nothing to do with your care.....hes a cheeky **** if you dont mind me saying ....hope you feel better soon xxxxhugsxxxx

[x-Silvermist-x]

Thanks for your supportive post x

[beautiful_seclusion]

Yes I also would feel that way, that forcing socialization would be more harmful than anything else. I have no idea about payment as I live in the US where it's very different. But I can totally relate from my own hospital stays (and having definite traits of aspergers) to feeling frustrated with inappropriate comments and being pressured to communicate in a way that does not fit with your personality. It's very hurtful when your intentions are not understood and professionals make assumptions simply because they do not understand you. I'm sorry you're going through this and wish I could be of more use.