Am being admitted as an in-patient tomorrow - what should I expect?

[NorkyButNice]

Saw my psychiatrist today and he insists on me being admitted to get my meds sorted out. Managed to persuade them to let me leave today to get my affairs in order (childcare etc) but have to be back at 9am.

I totally wasn't expecting it, so am a bit unsettled at being away from home for minimum 2 weeks. It's a private hospital but they've not given me any guidance about what I'm allowed to take with me and what the program will be once I'm there. I'm currently a day patient there but apparently I can't keep attending my therapy sessions.

Sorry this is a bit rambling - any experiences would be appreciated.

[catsareevil]

Are you in the UK?

[SkiLift]

Priory?

[NorkyButNice]

Yes and yes!

[Upwardandonward]

I don't have experience of the Priory, but a lot of places take anything that could be 'dangerous' away from you. Some places allow mobiles, others don't because of the cameras. If you normally wear jewellery you might want to leave it at home (but have a watch).

If you do anything crafty/read for leisure etc, it's worth taking something to keep yourself busy (although I've heard the priory tends to do more groups than your average NHS MH unit).

[onepieceofcremeegg]

Why not telephone them this evening and ask about what to bring/any restrictions etc.

I only have experience of NHS units, but in a typical NHS unit if you take razors (to shave your legs for example) they will be locked away unless you are actually using them. And medication will be locked away, so if for example you take paracetamol for headache/period pain you won't be able to keep it with you.

Possibly take some money (pound coins/change rather than notes) there may be a cafe or vending machine.

You will probably prefer comfy clothes, don't take valuables/jewellery as someone else said. Maybe take slippers? And a dressing gown and decent pjs for night time.

[NorkyButNice]

Thank you both for your replies. I haven't worn my rings for months since I broke my wrist so that's one less thing to worry about.

Do I take my normal meds or will they supply them? Why am I asking you?

Have packed usual daywear and a solitary pair of jogging bottoms. Dressing gown and slippers to be added tomorrow.

[Upwardandonward]

Usually you take your meds with you and hand them in to be written up - hospitals don't always have all the meds people take (but then they order them).

[FannibalLecter]

From my Mum's experience in the NHS, they will prescribe and supply you with the meds; and take away anything like that you do bring in plus anything that could be considered dangerous to urself or others, or anything valuable. I would advise you to take lots of reading material in/stuff to do as even though I'm sure activities will be arranged, they may only be an hr or two a day and u may not always want to do them. My Mum reported being very bored most of the time and having no privacy; from being checked-up on all the time, doors that don't lock, and 'friendly' fellow patients.
Take plenty of comfy clothes.
I hope your experience will be a positive one, good luck.

[onepieceofcremeegg]

If you have any unusual medication then perhaps take it with you, but tbh if you are arriving during a normal working day (which you are) then they will be able to get hold of it. You mention that you are already known to the psychiatrist; so he/she will already be aware of your usual prescriptions?

I would advise not taking a large supply of your own medication - it will be have to be handed in and officially is meant to be returned to you on discharge. However if someone tidies the clinic or sends a lot of medication for disposal, you might not see it again!

Hope all goes well for you. I don't know your back story, but do try and see going in for a medication review as a positive thing. They can sort out meds far more quickly for inpatients; this is because you will be observed by the nursing staff so it is possible to change/increase doses or types of medication more rapidly than at home.

[iMemoo]

Take cate Norky xxx you're doing the right thing

[NorkyButNice]

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the replies.

Laying here unable to sleep in a panic.

My issues are mostly PND related, although DS2 is 15 months now. Have issues with self-esteem, food, trust...everything really.

My other stress is what to tell 4 year old DS1. I've just said I'm going into hospital so Daddy and grandparents will be looking after him. He seemed ok but had his first nightmare in months, screaming that he needs his Daddy (even when we are both there trying to comfort him). As the days go on I think he'll get really upset.

[FearfulYank]

Nothing constructive to add but will be thinking of you. It may be hard on your DS but children are amazingly resilient, he will be all right. You concentrate on getting well!

Lots of hugs and good vibes sent your way. PND is an evil bit*h and I'm glad you're getting help.

[MrsVidic]

I just wanted to post i have been an impatient (when I was 14 for a year for eating issues). It really was a good experience, not a holiday but a break through in a way. Try to use and make the best of everything, would be the advice I would have given myself.

Comfy clothes, a must. Covering underwear- we had to be weighed in ours.I missed music, good literature and nice toiletries. Photos of family for encouragement. A blanket or something that smells of home, get Dh to bring others and take it home to wash as you'll miss home smells.

Things will be ok- it may take a while but you will feel better xx

[NorkyButNice]

Thanks everyone again. First day has been nerve-wracking but generally positive.

They let me go to my existing therapy group where I got lots of support. My new drug regime is in place (lots of tranquillisers) and I'm on 15 minute obs.

Room is good and I feel secure so far.

[Upwardandonward]

Hi Norky I'm glad it's generally positive thus far :) It's also good that you can keep some of your support in place. I hope you have a good night and tolerate the meds (some of them can be not very nice).

[chimchar]

Thinking of you norky.

Sounds like a positive first day. I hope you'll be feeling well very soon. X

[onepieceofcremeegg]

Norky hope that your stay passes quickly and that you are soon much better. It is so hard for you leaving your 4 year old (I have a daughter that age). However I imagine that he will be fine with his daddy and gps and it is you that will really miss him. (that's not to say he won't miss you of course, just that children are often very adaptable and accepting)

It sounds as if you are doing the right thing - a short term in patient admission and hopefully you will be better more quickly. My thoughts are with you tonight.

[kizzie]

Another one just wanting to add positive thoughts. Hope the stay goes well and you get lots of support. Take Care x

[NorkyButNice]

Day 2 down - still feeling positive. I feel like at last I'm in control and doing all I can to fix things, after floundering in a mess for months.

Meds being upped again tonight, and again on Monday if things are going well.

Am not allowed out at the weekend so am hoping to schedule some visitors with newspapers and the like. I haven't told any of my friends I'm in here - not sure
whether to fill them in.

[NorkyButNice]

Should have said thank you again everyone for the messages. It's really comforting to know that people are thinking about you.

I spoke up DS1 on the phone tonight, he asked "are you better now Mummy" which was a bit of a killer. But it was good to talk to him.

[onepieceofcremeegg]

Hi Norky, just seen your update.

Glad you are feeling positive, sounds as if you are in the right place if they want to sort out/increase your meds.

I would suggest that if you have any friends that are likely to be understanding, then fill them in. :)

Sadly some people even in "this day and age" aren't as understanding as they should be.

[Upwardandonward]

Hi Norky. It's great to hear that your feeling in charge, and so positive about using the hospital time.

I hope the meds increase goes ok, and you have some visitors to break up the weekend.

[NorkyButNice]

One week later and still here - meds going up and up and still not quite in control of my thoughts and panics.

Family visiting again over the weekend, not sure yet whether the kids will be coming. Saw DS1 during the week and it went OK except for leaving me feeling incredibly guilty about not being there for them.

Probably in here for another 3 weeks.

[JanePumpkin]

Hello,

are they doing some CBT with you? I found that really helpful in terms of controlling panic xx