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jfinner1
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So my fiance is trying to apply for SSI, but he's having a really hard time of it. He's actually been depressed all day because of a conversation he had with a lawyer this morning. The lawyer called to ask him about why he was applying and ask about his living situation. Rich told him the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. He told him when he was diagnosed, why he wasn't currently on medication (explained below), the trouble he has keeping a job, the cost of our rent, the reason I'm not working, and how we have a friend who helps us pay the bills when we can't manage. The lawyer told him that that he was a lier, that there was no way that our household has no current source of income, and that he wasn't going to waste his time with someone who was going to BS him. WTF??? Now, the reason that Rich isn't currently on medication: He got kicked off his parent's insurance when he turned 18 and couldn't pay for it. Then last year he found out that this mental health facility would work with him, help him pay for most of the meds, so long as he went to one of their councilors. How it was supposed to work: He sees a councilor who confirms that he has bipolar. The councilor refers him to a psychologist, who prescribes him the meds, and then the county pays for a certain percent, based on income. So he goes to the councilor to start the whole process. He was really nervous, so he asks me to go with him for the first session. She's an intern, ok, not a big deal. First thing she does is tell him that she's against medication, and that she feels any problems he has can be worked out by talking about them. Um, what? Then she tells him that he was misdiagnosed, and that he just drinks too much caffeine. WHAT??? Are you freaking kidding me? They won't give him a different councilor, so he's pretty much screwed. I'm not even sure how to deal with this one... Crap, that got a lot longer then I intended. Sorry... *Edit* It's psychiatrist, not psychologist. My bad. Post edited by: jfinner1, at: 03/12/2008 22:06 |
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glory
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Sounds like you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. Why don't you work?? Why does he keep getting fired?? A psychologist cannot write prescriptions..he is not a medical doctor. I recieve SSI but I assure you it is not because I can't pay my rent! At some point, you two have got to make some different choices. I know there are BPer''s who can't hold down a job, and I totally understand why....the disorder does that to us......BUT if the Shrink????Psychologist????? said he is not BP why do you keep thinking he is?? Gloria "We Know We Are Out Of Step When"
We cannot walk a straight line.
We've stepped on our brother's foot.
We forget to be thankful.
We feel alone.
We think our dance is the only dance there is. |
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jfinner1
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I might have my medical terms wrong, I thought the psychologist was the one the wrote the script, so that's the name I used. The reason I think the lady he was seeing is full of crap is because his medical record state that he was diagnosed and treated for bipolar from age 13 to age 18, and as far as I know, bipolar doesn't just go away. |
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jfinner1
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Oh, sorry, I didn't answer the first two questions. I don't work because I have a nerve disorder that's been acting up really bad lately. I've only been unemployed for 4 months in the past 3 years, so I usually do have a job, but I had to leave my last job because of my medical condition, and haven't been able to find a new job that won't aggravate my condition. Rich is one of the bipolar people that has a really hard time holding down a job. He tries really hard, but he can't usually hold down a job for longer the 6-8 weeks. The one thing I have to say is that no matter how many times he gets knocked down, he keeps trying. But he's realized that right now, we just need the help. Post edited by: jfinner1, at: 03/12/2008 22:01 |
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glory
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Tthe PSYCHIATRIST is also a medical doctor with the authority to write prescriptions. Now the PSYCHOLOGIST may be called doctor, but it is a totally different kind of doctor...For that title he must have earned a doctorate degree is some field, but it won't be medicine. How old is you BF now?? There are actually a lot of shrinks out there who just don't specialize in bipolar disorders. Perhaps the one when he was a child, was wrong. It would have taken some real knowledge for a doc to give that diagnosis to a 13 year old kid. Teens at that young age can have so many social problems that we as parents think their nuts...lolol When all it is is growing up and adjusting to no longer being a little kid. I am certainly not a doctor, but This is my opinion and thoughts on what is going on. At some point, we as bipolar people have to trust. It all , feeling better, has to start somewhere. No I would absolutely NOT trust that diagnosis to an intern. I would insist on seeing a certified Psychiatrist....one with his credentials on his wall. ( they must display them for the public to view) I am hopinng that he doesn't have BP, jfinner...it is, like you said, a lifetime disorder. Good luck with this. Gloria "We Know We Are Out Of Step When"
We cannot walk a straight line.
We've stepped on our brother's foot.
We forget to be thankful.
We feel alone.
We think our dance is the only dance there is. |
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jfinner1
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I don't remember the name of the guy that diagnosed him, he retired a few years ago, but I have talked to a few of his coworkers (I used to see a councilor at the same facility). They all considered him the best of the best when it came to juvenile psychology. Rich saw two different people, and if I'm getting the terms right, he saw a psychologist who diagnosed him and saw him every week, and then a psychiatrist who treated him, adjusted his medications, and things like that. Does that sound right? He's going to get copies of his medical records in a few days to send in for SSI, so I'll know more then. Rich is only 21 years old now, so this wasn't that long ago. He just never really paid attention to the technical stuff. |
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jfinner1
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Update: OK, this is actually very interesting. The more I talk, the more I realize I don't know, so I look it up. Rich was originally diagnosed at Children's Hospital phyc ward. When he was released, he started seeing a psychologist named Dan Seacrest (that might not be spelled right). Dan confirmed the diagnosis, and referred him to a psychiatrist named Dr. Pacer. Dan is the guy I'd heard lots of good things about from co-workers and such. And I now know the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist. |
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norma
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So, you have a diagnosis...did the health care professional with whom he was dealing have access to these records...might help. If he gets on the right meds and takes good care of himself there may be no reason to go on SSI. "In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan |
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glory
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lolol we learn something new everyday.... even old dogs like me... lol...I think if I were you kids, I'd ask for a "REAL" Psychiatrist...(to hell with this intern crap...) Then, like I said, ya gotta start somewhere. When you get the new doc, for BF, he has got to leave it in his hands, at least until he knows that he will for sure find no help there. It will ppossibly take several months for you both to see a difference. Don't get discouraged. He will be trying different meds until the right ones are found. Be patient and BF must be absolutely honest to the shrink and himself as well as the drugs. If he is still drinking, I can't tell you how important it is to stop. He just must. Booze alters the effectiveness of the drugs. You just can't mix em. I wish ya luck again, and keep us all informed as to the progress. Love Gloria "We Know We Are Out Of Step When"
We cannot walk a straight line.
We've stepped on our brother's foot.
We forget to be thankful.
We feel alone.
We think our dance is the only dance there is. |
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jfinner1
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Yes, she had access to his records. That's why her reaction was so shocking. And Norma, you're right, if he could get on the right meds, he might be fine and able to work. But it's a vicious circle. We can't afford the meds unless he has a job or insurance, but he can't keep a job without being on the meds. That's why we were so excited to find this place that we thought could help. But since we don't have insurance, we're stuck with whoever they gave us, and we can't request a switch. It is so frustrating. FFR: Rich doesn't drink hardly at all. I've seen him have a beer or two every once is a blue moon, but his biological parents were alcoholics, so he's really careful. If he were to get on medication, it wouldn't be a issue for him to stop drinking, so at least that's a good thing. Post edited by: jfinner1, at: 03/12/2008 22:57 |
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