Some news

[Bagboy]

I was recently diagnosed as schizophrenic. I have hallucinations of the auditory and visual nature. I believe that it was the contributing factor with me getting laid off from the liquor store. I have names for my hallucinations. My hallucinations are people who lived in the early 20th century.

There's Ruth, who my therapist considers to be like my conscience. She doesn't like it when I go over to my friends house. She's the mother of Emily, Rose, and Elizabeth.

There's Emily and Rose. Both are twelve years old. They wear corsets, and dislike boarding school very much. Both have red hair and blue eyes.

There's Elizabeth, who can sometimes talk. She's ten years old. She has piercing green eyes like her mother. She has her mother's red hair.

There's Samuel, who is Ruth's husband. Samuel likes it when I drink, because he likes to drink too.

Finally, there's Thaddeus. Thaddeus is like the devil. Thaddeus wants me to steal money when I'm counting down my drawer when I get off shift. He also tells me that I need to kill myself and smoke my cigarettes down to the filter. He also wants me to murder my family. I tell Thaddeus NO about murdering my family.

I'm on meds, but they don't seem to help. Whenever I take them, I throw up, even with food.

[Eisa]

I didn't know hallucinations could have names...that's interesting.

I think it's brave of you to post your diagnosis on CS. If the meds are making you throw up like that all the time, I think you should probably go back to your psychiatrist and see if they can adjust the dosage or put you on something else.

[TheSHAD0W]

Sorry to hear that, Bagboy. Schizophrenia is a horrible disease.

What medication are you taking? Many of them take weeks or even months to build up to the point where they really help. You might want to google the name of the medication plus "stomach upset" to see if other people have the same problem and what they've done to alleviate it.

[MaggieTheCat]

It is good that you have been diagnosed and are seeking treatment. I also agree with Eisa that you are very strong for sharing this with us. CS is a great support network. I hope you find a treatment that works for you.

[Geek King]

Good on you for getting help! I second talking to your therapist about the meds causing issues. Meds dealing with the psyche often require a lot of fine tuning before you get them right.

[Bagboy]

Sorry to hear that, Bagboy. Schizophrenia is a horrible disease.

What medication are you taking? Many of them take weeks or even months to build up to the point where they really help. You might want to google the name of the medication plus "stomach upset" to see if other people have the same problem and what they've done to alleviate it.

Latuda 40 & 80 mg
Trileptal 300 & 600 mg
Saphris 20 mg

[Shpepper]

Ask your prescriber if any of your meds come as a sub-lingual dose. They will dissolve under the tongue. I don't think Latuda comes that way as my partner takes it as well, but the others might. It's worth asking about as the under the tongue dose shouldn't upset your stomach as much. Good luck with this. You can handle it. It won't be easy, but it is worth it.

[trailerparkmedic]

You realize you're sick, and that's a hugely awesome thing.

Hang in there, and talk to your prescriber about the side effects and your concerns about how well the meds are working.

[Seshat]

Seek advice from a pharmacist, as well.

[Bagboy]

Ask your prescriber if any of your meds come as a sub-lingual dose. They will dissolve under the tongue. I don't think Latuda comes that way as my partner takes it as well, but the others might. It's worth asking about as the under the tongue dose shouldn't upset your stomach as much. Good luck with this. You can handle it. It won't be easy, but it is worth it.

The Saphris is sublingual. I just worry I'll have an episode while on the clock, then they'll fire me.

[RootedPhoenix]

The Saphris is sublingual. I just worry I'll have an episode while on the clock, then they'll fire me.

I don't believe that that's even legal. Check and see. You should be protected under disability laws....somehow.

You are really brave to share this with us. Thank you for trusting us.

[telecom_goddess]

Holy crap ....that takes guts to admit to something like that on here. I'm really glad you're getting treatment though! This is a mental illness that isn't just mental, it's a physical disease and NEEDS MEDS. I just hope they get the meds right for you.

[Shpepper]

If you are still having issues with the meds making you sick, try a couple things. One is take them at bedtime if you don't already and the other is to talk to your pharmacist or doc and ask what you can do to minimize that effect.

Don't give up on this. You are so strong to share this with us. It's not an easy road to travel but it can be done successfully.

[BlaqueKatt]

I just worry I'll have an episode while on the clock, then they'll fire me.

I don't believe that that's even legal. Check and see. You should be protected under disability laws....somehow.

In order to be covered you may have to disclose your condition to HR, a note from your physician saying you are under treatment for a qualifying disorder should suffice. The ADA is your friend, learn it, know it, know how it applies. I know some information due to being covered by it due to migraines(yes migraines are considered a disability under the ADA), the reasonable accommodation I require is to be able to wear sunglasses when I'm suffering from one that allows me to still function.

specifically this

Q. Can an employer consider health and safety when deciding whether to hire an applicant or retain an employee with a disability?

A. Yes. The ADA permits employers to establish qualification standards that will exclude individuals who pose a direct threat -- i.e., a significant risk of substantial harm -- to the health or safety of the individual or of others, if that risk cannot be eliminated or reduced below the level of a oedirect threatî by reasonable accommodation. However, an employer may not simply assume that a threat exists; the employer must establish through objective, medically supportable methods that there is significant risk that substantial harm could occur in the workplace. By requiring employers to make individualized judgments based on reliable medical or other objective evidence rather than on generalizations, ignorance, fear, patronizing attitudes, or stereotypes, the ADA recognizes the need to balance the interests of people with disabilities against the legitimate interests of employers in maintaining a safe workplace.

[csquared]

Acknowledging your condition is the first step. Good luck with finding the right combination of meds to treat it.

While it is not a condition that I would wish on anyone, you do have an awesome roll model in John Forbes Nash Jr. Sometimes it's just having the strength to keep fighting.