Care co-ordinators etc

baggyjeans · 19-03-2013, 11:26 AM

Since being hospitalised for the first time in 2010, I've been under the care of a care co-ordinator from the CMHT. I haven't been in hospital since 2011 and I'm off all my medication now and feeling stable but I was diagnosed in 2009 with bipolar and in 2010 with BPD. I am planning to start a DBT group this month and you have to have a care co to do that but it sounds like they will discharge me after that as she said I don't really need her anymore. As bipolar is presumably a lifelong illness, what would happen if I were discharged and needed help such as to see a psychiatrist to go on medication again? (I've been on medication since 2001 I think but came off everything when we started trying for a baby in January this year. ) We are trying for a baby at the moment and I'm concerned about pre/post natal depression. What would happen if I got this? I don't want to end up in hospital again that's for sure but would I have to wait ages to see a psychiatrist if I were discharged or would it be quicker having already been diagnosed and being known to them? Thanks for your help!

Fire Fly · 19-03-2013, 12:41 PM

Hey,
Ohh that sounds exciting taht you're trying for a baby. I think to be honest whilst your in dbt that you have a cc as they can monitor you especially as you have said you've been on meds for a long time and just come if them now.

Going to your question. I think being discharged and then re-referred would be the normal process. Like you see your gp and then they put in the referal again. I think all psychs like to make sure you have the right diagnosis before sorting things out. Good luck x

Cacoethes · 19-03-2013, 12:47 PM

Post natal illness is taken very seriously so they wouldn't hang about it treating it, out of hospital unless totally necessary.
You have the midwives during pregnancy who can refer you to a perinatal mental health team and the health visitors when you've had a baby to help keep an eye out for any signs.

Wishing you luck :)
X

baggyjeans · 19-03-2013, 03:34 PM

Thanks both of you. I don't think there is a prenatal team in my area. It's just dealt with by the CMHT but I guess there must be some expert in the team.

I think it will be good to still have the support from the DBT programme and to see if that helps but hopefully I will be able to be discharged within the year if all goes well. It will be such an achievement for me!

I'm still worried about the future but like you said I'm sure they will sort things quickly if things go wrong.

yoyogirl · 19-03-2013, 05:17 PM

Hiya
I am sure if you keep in contact with your cc regarding this she can look out for any warning signs and try to help you along the way.

Cacoethes · 19-03-2013, 05:21 PM

post natal illness is much more easily treated than other mental illnesses because it is pretty much purely chemical, so easily treated with medication if it even comes to that.

But do be reassured that they pick up on it quickly, because there is a baby involved as well.

it sounds like you are doing really well :)