Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Call for Help for One of Our Own

Hey all, one of our KA family is in trouble. With all that's gone on around here lately, she's been hesitant to talk about it here, but today she gave me leave to post on her behalf.

Most of you will have read some of Sherri's more recent posts, talking about some of the stresses she's been under the past year. So far, she's coped, but just. I called her last night and we talked for a while. She's in a bad way. A scary bad way. And I'm worried for her.

Sherri is horribly depressed and it's gone beyond situational into entrenched. I won't go into details, as those are Sherri's to share. I will say, tho, that she simply doesn't care anymore. She's not looking after herself the last few weeks. Barely making it into work some days. Can't get out of bed most days. And feels completely alone with this depression - and in life, I think.

She finally called her local hospital yesterday, who were so concerned from what she was saying that they made an appointment for her this morning, so she wouldn't have to sit for hours in ER. Something to hope for.

Not.

She got there and they'd forgotten about her. The psych handed her a prescription (that she cannot afford to fill) and told her that if she needed to talk she should call a hotline. That was it. Too bad, so sad. Personally, I'm ready to rip that psych a new one on Sherri's behalf.

We need to rally around Sherri right now. She needs us more than ever. Also, if there's anyone in the Edmonton area who can help Sherri find the care and counselling she needs, please please please get in touch with her, or with me and I'll pass it along.

Love and hugs,

Hi Kat,
I suppose a hotline isn't a bad place to start - they might have suggestions on resources that aren't pricey....but it sounds like a good recommendation for someone with only mild depression. Could one of us call a hotline on her behalf?
I'm incredibly shocked that if she went to the ER severely depressed, they wouldn't admit her. Is she suicidal? I thought they couldn't turn anyone away if they were in such a state? This is unreal.

Sherri....hang in there...

Meggie, it is completely unreal. They didn't totally turn her away. At first they seemed to take it seriously, but the doc they saddled her with didn't seem to get it ... obviously. I'm at a loss.

A hotline isn't a bad idea, but they seem to be staffed by teenagers, which is great if you're a teenager, but not so great if you're a grown woman in crisis. It's certainly not the answer for a doctor to give someone in Sherri's position.

I didn't think they could turn someone away under those conditions, either.

Many hugs,

Wow that is so scary!! Sherri please know we are all here for you... Please hang on.

Angie

That isjust so sad that someone has to be treated like that at a hospital. I hope she finds the help she needs and soon.
Sheri we are thinking about you and wish you well. Please continue to seek help and vent in here if it helps.
Thanks Kat for posting this.
Dan

Hang in there Sherri! I have been there and checked into the hospital. Things will get better at some point, have to take one day at a time.... no matter how long and painful they may seem.

We love you here and need you with us.

Tim

Dear Sherri... I'm am so sorry to hear about what you are going through. Please know that you are not alone. You have friends right here and we're not just net-friends but very real people who care and wish to see you get the help you need to get through this very rough time.

It is frustrating and maddening to hear you had such an unhelpful experience at your local hospital. I wonder if you could have that prescription just partially filled? I have in past asked a pharmacy to sell me as little as 10 pills (to see if I tolerate them) before spending the money on a whole script for whatever. I believe most pharmacies are willing to do this for their customers. The pharmacy also might be a useful resource to find out about any provincial programs available in your province that could assist in covering medicine costs.

Please call me any time if you wish to talk.


love mig

Hi
The psych has full access to samples from the drug companies. I bet she saw an intern or resident . I would go back to the E>R tomorrow in the morning, and tell them this and see what they can find for her. A hot-line may also get her into direct care quite quickly. I wonder if she told him she can't afford the pills. I know for a fact they have samples. When I worked on Psychiatry, we would take calls in the middle of the night, and they would be seen my someone into the morning, and also we had a resident on -call . I just wonder if Sherri is too proud to tell them she can't afford the drugs.

Janet


Janet

Hi Sherri

I hope you read these, I want you to know again how much I love you, you are a wonderful person and we need you round here at KickAs to well "Kickaa*" you know I've been where you've been with depression and I would absolutely hate to ever have to visit that place again but consider US your helpline, wither you call people on a daily bases just to check in, and just read the messages, please take it a half hour at a time if that's all you can manage but slowly and surely "YOU WILL" get there again, we'll all help you, you know that,it maybe only in small ways, but if you tell us what to do I know I for one will try and help. I know from my distance it maybe only emotional support but i do a good line in "Transatlantic hugs" Your one of the best round here, I need you to make it through. Give it your best shot Sherri YOUR a fighter.

Sherri if you feel better being in hospital, then check in,even if its just to have people around 24/7, and eat regular then do it.Don't let that dam daft Doctor put you off.

Love You Laura xx

Sherri,
I just want you to know that I am thinking about you and sending lots of love your way. I hope you can find the help you need.

I've been seriously depressed myself, to the point where I was suicidal. I want you to know that you can come out of this and it will end.

Take care of yourself, Sherri. You are worth it.

Karen