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My brother just got taken away... ****UPDATED****
  • FoulMouthedSailorFoulMouthedSailor
    Posts: 1,893Member
    He's in a good spot, 72 hour observation is stressful and removing family members and out side stress is key to getting a good observation. I know it has to be nerve wracking but he's in the hands of professionals. some times really sane people just hit that carrying capacity of stress and finally snap, plus if he was drugged at a bar with MDMA or GHB it could have triggered his dehydration and melt down. Look on the bright side, if his organs were failing last night, and now he's not in ICU or the ER he's done major reversal.
    You show the lights that stop me turn to stone, You shine it when I'm alone. And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
    And dreaming when they're gone.
  • sanityseekersanityseeker
    Posts: 2,367Member
    I'm dealing with something fairly similar right now.... please don't hesitate to pm me if you want! Thinking of you and your family!
    Biting's excellent. It's like kissing. Only there's a winner.
    "Dobby never meant to kill! Dobby only meant to maim or seriously injure.” -Dobby
    Genealogy: Where you confuse the dead and irritate the living.
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    Yes, physically he's fine, which is awesome.  I called the hospital at 9 to check on him.  I finally got a nurse that admits he's actually there.  She was really nice.  Said he hasn't left his room much and he's sleeping.  So, that's good news.  She doesn't know if he's still talking crazy but she was very kind and assured me that he is in good hands.  She was so sweet she almost made me break down.  As far as we know there aren't any drugs other then weed in his system.  He smoked with 5 other guys and they are all fine.  They were all crying when speaking to the cop and the cop thought they were crying about the weed but everyone just loves my brother so much they're really worried.  My dad found it funny that the cop kept saying, "You're not getting in trouble for weed, I want you to stop smoking but there's no need to get upset I'm not arresting you."  I guess he never saw a bunch of guys that really love their friend.  That's the thing about my brother, he's really freaking awesome.  Drugs just aren't like him.  It would make sense that if he was losing his mind he'd want to save the world.  That's just who he is.  He's also not under any stress I'm aware of.  His job is low key and he loves the people he works with, he's not dating anyone seriously but he met a nice girl last week.  (and the unicorn apparently)  He's just not a high stress guy.  I think we stress out more for him to do something with his life and be more productive because he's so smart but he always insists "he's happy with where he is."  How many of us can really say we're happy with our life as is?  Sometimes I envy him.  Friday at 5pm he's free to go.  Power of attorney should go into affect tomorrow.  Hopefully we will get much more info then.  Sorry I'm rambling.  I just keep mulling over the facts in my head trying to piece together what is going on.  It's so frustrating.  Several people have told us it could simply be very bad dehydration.  I mean, he does drink coffee, and he went out drinking and was physically active but I just can't imagine it being that simple.  He also was jumping over couches and violent... wouldn't a dehydrated person feel fatigued?  

    On another more positive note the lil rugrats are feeling better, temps have come down and they're snuggling. :-) 
  • irishlassirishlass
    Posts: 6,726Member
    This sounds so so so familiar! Ice been thru something verry similar with 2 of my sisters. Its hard. It sounds like a psychotic episode to me. Both of my sisters spent 6months each in a psychiatric hospital but only one of the has had recurring episodes.
    Its scary, but treatable. If its a psychotic episode then he will be okay. He is in the safest possible place right now and its common for someone to push away the ones closest to them. Its okay for him not to see your parents. If its distressing him then they need to stay away until he is ready to see them.
    Right now he is not in touch with reality. He isn't tuned in to thsis world and what's going on in his head is real to him.
    I totally understand how you are feeling. I have been there and I am here for you to pm anytime. You are not alone with this, and he won't be this way forever.

    Btw, my sisters now have a diagnosis each. The one who has had only one episode is bi-polar, but she struggles more day to day than the other one, who has schizo-effective disorder.
    "Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter." - Dr. Seuss
  • Peace
    Posts: 2,080Member
    No experience to offer, but had to comment. I'm so glad he has you & you called your parents the other night & got him immediate help.
    Big hugs, keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers... >:D<
  • jezebeldelilahjezebeldelilah
    Posts: 337Member
    I'm sorry for what your going through. I know how hard it is to just sit and wait for a call. I hope this all works out for the best.
  • onetimeonetime
    Posts: 2,014Member
    This is so sad to read, and I have no answers, but wanted to offer my support and let you know I'm thinking of you. Hugs, mama!
    Suck it up buttercup!
  • unforgivenunforgiven
    Posts: 12,699Confessional Manager
    I'm so sorry. I too have no advice.. just hugs and prayers. 

    confessional-manager

    "What looks like torture is a time to rejoice
    What sounds like thunder is a comforting voice
    When what is beautiful looks broken and crushed
    And I say I don't know you
    But you say it's finished"
  • loveitloveit
    Posts: 1,738Member
    You poor thing! Thinking of you and your family now. Kiss your babies and try to focus on them. I know you must be sooooo stressed! Hugs.
    Will be checking back often for updates.
  • DaBOMB
    Posts: 273Member
    Prayers for you all...
  • sharkmommy
    Posts: 262Member
    Sending prayers your way!
  • maycausedizziness
    Posts: 193Member
    Thinking of you today and hope you are hanging in there and that your babies are feeling better.  I have had a similar situation with my sister, she was sure she was being followed by "Surprise by Design" and was certain she was a famous chef. She is an addict and has mental health issues, neither are easy to deal with.  Keep us updated and know we are here for you.
  • BellaBefanaBellaBefana
    Posts: 8,169Member
    the ecs might not have the psych sx, but the thirst, i.e., fluid overloading yourself, can...when your electrolytes are out of whack so can you be.  Low serum sodium levels can seriously make you flaky for example, memory impairment, slurred speech, altered gait.  But they would have done a chem panel right off, and know if electrolytes were off.
    Bite me, cupcake!
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    We are having a hard time getting any info.  My mom saw him today and he was so mean and defensive.  He told mom she could talk to his doctor but couldn't ask any questions.  My mom told him that he needed to call his work so he would still have a job.  He said he had already done that.  She asked if he minded if she called to make sure, then he flipped out on her saying she didn't trust him. Mom is having a real hard time with this because she keeps telling him she's worried and he's "not right" and then he gets crazy.  The problem is he has no clue he is not acting normal.  It's hard for her to just listen to him.  She wants to interrogate him about drug use or if he hit his head.  I'm trying to help her calm down and not accuse him or question him.  She just needs to be a friend right now.  She didn't get a chance to talk to the doctor so she is writing the doc a letter.   

    My brother keeps saying odd things like, "Am I not right?"  "Am I not correct?"  "What happened in the past is irrelevant and I am not responsible"  "God tells me...."  "I have found enlightenment and happiness and you can not be happy for me"  
    He repeats these phrases often.  He was never religious and he just doesn't speak like that.  I can see him saying, "Dude, ya know I'm right"  or maybe, "Told ya so!"  If he found happiness he would say something to the effect of "Mom, I'm just really happy and I don't have any worries.  I'm cool, just chill."  

    This makes me want to scream!  This can't be my little brother.  Where has he gone?  I never knew how much I needed him until he's not really "there."   I am begging God to let him "snap out of it".   As more tests come back negative on drugs we are considering brain damage or a tumor.  We are requesting the doctor do a scan or xrays.  My brother admits that he doesn't remember the past few days when asked.  If he was bipolar wouldn't he remember things?  Do people with multiple personalities know what the other personalities are doing?  :-(
  • AnonUser33
    Posts: 743Guest

    @TorturedbyTWINS, I am bipolar and I flipped out one night and tried to kill my husband (the one person who means the most to me in this world) I do not remember anything about that night and it happened 12 years ago. Its a very real possibility that he does not remember. It took me a long time before I was "me" again. I have not had any episodes like that since but I know that it happened, there was plenty of physical evidence.

    I hope putting this out there is not a mistake but I have wanted to say something since I first read this. (((hugs)))

    The fact that he was drinking, then rode his bike all night sounds to me like he could be manic. When i am manic, nothing in the world can touch the high I am feeling. I am invincible, I don't eat or drink, I am very sensitive to people around me questioning me about things, when I do sleep I have crazy, vivid dreams.

    I am not a doctor and I have no medical training, just my own personal experiences

  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    Thanks @unknown1  I appreciate you sharing your story.  It really does help.  I didn't know bipolar could be so drastic.  My mom is pretty convinced he is having his first bipolar episode along with dehydration factors.  You've shed some new light on things for me and I greatly appreciate it. 

    Just wanted to say thanks again to all of you showing your love and support.  It is keeping me grounded and I really sincerely can't express enough how much it means.  

  • chaosmomchaosmom
    Posts: 3,846Member
    Yes, if you are bipolar going through a manic episode, psychosis can go with it. It doesn't always but it can. And if there is a parental history of bipolar, it increases your risk by like 40%. But there are so many disorders/conditions that can contribute to a psychotic state.
  • GingersnapGingersnap
    Posts: 7,290Member
    Sending love and healing ~~~~~> 
    image
  • Charlotte_SometimesCharlotte_Sometimes
    Posts: 1,756Member
    Yes, my brother is Bipolar.  I suspect I am too but the other kind, hypomanic, Bipolar 2.  My brother is the kind often dramatized on television and when manic he does and has done things that he doesn't remember later and things that are totally and completely out of character and, well, "crazy". 
    "But a lesson must be lived
    In order to be learned"

    Ani DiFranco, Manhole
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    GOOD NEWS!  I just spoke to him for 30 minutes!  He was speaking insanely fast and all of his sentences end on a higher note.  It's a little strange.  I didn't confront him in any way and just kept things light and fluffy.  He told me stuff about the hospital and the other patients.  He thinks my parents can't accept his new found happiness and that's why he's there.  Then apparently he reflected on this and realized that Mom doesn't typically worry about him and that perhaps something is wrong.  He asked the doctor to drug test him and has asked if there were any videos from the bar to see if anyone put something in his drink.   I can't picture anyone having a motivation to drug a guy at a bar, other then robbery (he doesn't look like he has money) but we can go with that theory if he wants us to...  

    I would say in the end he was about 65% normal and the rest was crazy.  He didn't say anything completely worrisome but wasn't really himself.  He did still make me laugh and his sense of humor was similar.  That was a relief.  I'm hoping we are on the upside of this.  I'm concerned he is manic and may go into a deep depression soon but at least if he does we will know what we're dealing with!   
    So yay!  Prayers and healing thoughts are working!  There's a light at the end of the tunnel finally!  :-)


  • BlessieBlessie
    Posts: 1,497Member
    So glad you got to talk to him!
  • French_momFrench_mom
    Posts: 1,540Member
    I have been reading this. I have nothing to give beside hugs and positives thoughts.  I am glad you are seeing light at the end of the tunnel.  >:D<
    It is for me to know and you to dot dot dot.
  • LLB
    Posts: 3,280Member
    Just wanted to let you know that I have been watching this too for updates. Glad to hear that you finally got to speak with him and that he sounded at least somewhat like his normal self.

    I have no experience in this type of thing but wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your brother and hoping the drs can finally figure out what is going on and get your brother the help he needs.

    Did the drs ever do a brain scan to rule out damage or a tumor on the brain?
  • justkeepswimmingjustkeepswimming
    Posts: 780Member
    I've been following this and sending you positive thoughts too. I think it sounds very hopeful that he can stop and question something that doesn't make sense to him. Glad things are looking up - stay strong!
    When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is.
    ~Oscar Wilde
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  • jezebeldelilahjezebeldelilah
    Posts: 337Member
    I just wanted to day that I use to work in a smoke shop and had a bi polar customer that was a regular. She was awesome but sometimes she would come in talking absolutely craziness, spending tons of money and have been awake for days. She bought her grandma a bong and tried to buy the pictures of the wall for angels that she lived with in a dumpster in heaven. So yeah bi polar can have psychosis and a "normal" person can say bizarre things and have no recollection of them. When my "customer" would come back from a manic episode she would feel so terrible and always apologize. I would call her husband so he could get her because she would disappear for days to even weeks at a time. Also I would let him return her crazy things she would buy. Eventually she was properly medicated and a completely normal healthy wonderful women who was able to work and have a great life. So it is able to be treated and a normal healthy life is possible. I'm sorry u r going through this and just wanted to share my experience.
  • AnonUser23
    Posts: 2,278Guest

    I know I haven't been on SM much lately but I just read this entire thread and want you to know that you, your brother and your family are all in my positive thoughts tonight. I hope everything is going to be ok and wish I could give you an in person hug. I can't imagine how worrisome this must be for you.

    >:D<
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    @Llb We have requested a scan but so far they are just treating him as if he is just insane for no physical reason.  

    I'm really inspired by your experiences.  It's good to know that so many of you have seen some pretty extreme bipolar people.  I thought everyone experienced bipolar similar to my dad.  He isn't very extreme.  He does get deeply depressed and then very productive and he's a musician so he thinks he will be "discovered" tomorrow every now and again.  It does seem to be a battle to get him to stay on his meds because he often feels fine and thinks meds are unnecessary.  I'm hoping my brother's ordeal will help him reflect on his own issues.  I'm learning so much.  

    My mom talked to the "unicorn" aka the girl he met and went on a date with.  That had to be one hilarious date.  Poor girl.  Anyways, she was happy to help.  Mom really liked her.  She had the same story, he was babbling and not making sense.  She seemed pretty concerned and maybe with a little luck she might let him take her out again after all this is under control!  However, if that day comes she will be known to me as the unicorn forever.  He's not gonna live this down if he ends up okay!  
  • CalliopemarieCalliopemarie
    Posts: 4,325Member
    huge hugs sweetie
    i am insane!!! mwahahahaha
  • AloneOverseasAloneOverseas
    Posts: 2,240Member
    Pleased to hear he has improved. :)
    I love purple; I love cats. Imagine if cats were purple ...
  • nessamommynessamommy
    Posts: 671Member
    I just found this thread and am sending you some major telepathic hugs right now! I hope he keeps improving, and gets healthy again. 
    If life gives you lemons, squirt lemon juice in life's eye!
  • organicbabyorganicbaby
    Posts: 1,473Member
    Peter Pan was enlighten, I also want to give up all the grown up stuff. Hang in there beautiful, hopefully he will come back to normal or the doctors will figure out what the hell is going on. Hugs, I know being far away is tough.
  • PurpleFlowersPurpleFlowers
    Posts: 5,629Member
    Llb said:

    Just wanted to let you know that I have been watching this too for updates. Glad to hear that you finally got to speak with him and that he sounded at least somewhat like his normal self.

    I have no experience in this type of thing but wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and your brother and hoping the drs can finally figure out what is going on and get your brother the help he needs.

    Did the drs ever do a brain scan to rule out damage or a tumor on the brain?


    Ditto
    Stay away from my chocolate and nobody gets hurt!

    I think I like who I am becoming...
  • [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,022
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    well behaved women seldom make history
  • [Deleted User]
    Posts: 7,022
    The user and all related content has been deleted.
    well behaved women seldom make history
  • Lakegirl34
    Posts: 1,758Member
    Sending hugs and positive thoughts your way...nothing to add and also, I hope your kids are feeling better.
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member

    Update today!   More good news!  He's been talking to mom today and she says he's about 90% normal.  The hospital tried to give him his bill today and made it sound like he had to pay it to leave.  My mom was pissed...  She's still trying to explain he can pay off his deductable little by little and not all at once.  He's not talking in a weird tone anymore.  He still has been mentioning he's happy and enlightened, which is fine by any standards.  I don't care if he decided to join a religious johavas witness bible study 10 times a week at this point.  He has always had the freedom to choose his own path.  I hope he is feeling a sense of enlightenment and that there's a path in life.  He hasn't been really motivated to make much of himself and I'd like to see him get married and have kids of his own some day.  I'm hoping this has been a big wake up call. 

    He has been reflecting upon the bar scene the night things changed.  The blonde girl he hit on was a hooker, when he found out he said he wasn't interested but his offer to buy her a drink still stood.  He played pool with her for a game before returning to the bar.  His drink was left unattended with her and with two guys at the bar for a few minutes.   The bar owner knows my brother pretty well but indicated that his cameras are still frames that rotate throughout the area and are mostly focused on cash registers.  So he is doubtful anything is on the tapes, however he is still reviewing them for us. 

    Tomorrow if all stays the same he will get out.  He forgave mom and dad for locking him up and he's realizing that this is a problem that we need to figure out.  He's on our side now though and he's willing to help us determine the causes.  My mom has permission to speak to his doctor when he checks out tomorrow, so hopefully we will learn a diagnosis then.

    It's such a huge relief!!

    As for my lil rugrats, DH, and me...  we are all sicker then hell with some kinda cold virus.  We spent half the day in bed and watching kids run around wiping their noses on anything in site.  Fun stuff!  It makes me kinda glad I didn't pack up the kids and rush 6 hours away on a whim because I couldn't have done much anyways. 

    I am sure that all your SM well wishes, healing thoughts and prayers have done wonders for our family and again I want to sincerely thank you all for your amazing support in our time of need.  Your experiences, knowledge, and advice have proved to be more than helpful and reassuring when I needed it most.  I want to thank each and every one of you that has been following this post and caring about a family that you've never personally met.  It really touches me beyond words!  (((HUGS))) to all the awesome SM's and SD's out there!

  • AnonUser23
    Posts: 2,278Guest
    That is great news! I hope your brother continues to improve and gets to the bottom of this! Hope you, your dh and kids startfeeling better soon! I had that nasty cold last week! Nothing worse than being sick like that in the summer!
  • MegsueMegsue
    Posts: 1,848Member
    So glad to hear that things are getting better! Well except for the summer cold...those suck donkey balls. I hope he finds an answer though, no matter what it is, so things can continue to move forward.
  • Charlotte_SometimesCharlotte_Sometimes
    Posts: 1,756Member
    I'm glad things are progressing in a positive way.   My brother's bipolar behaviors made me think I couldn't possibly be bipolar too because I am not like him at all.  I didn't understand the different ways it can manifest.

    I have been the victim of "something in my drink" once, and it was scary as hell but it didn't last past 24 hours in my case.
    "But a lesson must be lived
    In order to be learned"

    Ani DiFranco, Manhole
  • DaBOMB
    Posts: 273Member

    I'm so glad that he's doing better and that you feel better about it.  You're family remains in my thoughts and prayers as you continue to search for answers...

     

  • seamstressJ
    Posts: 724Member
    So glad to hear he's getting better! :D
  • Lakegirl34
    Posts: 1,758Member
    Glad to hear he's doing better...been thinking of you. >:D<
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    So I guess we're back to square one.  He's on anti psychotic medicine and they are saying he is Bipolar with ADHD.  I think the ADHD is way off base but the manic craziness is making him appear to be overly hyper.  He has a horrible temper, which is so far from his personality...  He is a threat to himself and others apparently so he is being held.  Someone mentioned he may be able to go tomorrow at 10.  My mom is afraid that they might not release him and he will freak out.  

    He actually did have a decent idea about perpetual motion engines being used to power cars without gasoline.  My dad and brother are mechanical minded and my dad said he actually has valid ideas and point.  (odd for being insane)  He also is still on this enlightenment and overly happy kick.  Mom and I just cried and cried on the phone tonight.  We want so desperately for him to snap out of it.  I wish he was drugged...  but nothing is showing up.  I'm really afraid that the brother I know and love may be gone on some level.  Physical damage seems so much easier to deal with because at least you can track a broken arm and see if it's healing.  No one knows what's going on in that head of his.  

    I'm outta tears for tonight.  

    The good news (there's always good news somewhere) is the boys are feeling much better and their colds are going away.... 
  • AnonUser33
    Posts: 743Guest

    Glad your little ones are feeling better.

    Bipolar is far different than being insane. When I am manic I am far more creative and it sounds like that may be the same with your brother (Everyone I know who is truly bipolar is that way)

  • Charlotte_SometimesCharlotte_Sometimes
    Posts: 1,756Member
    @TorturedbyTWINS   was there some new incident since you last posted that has them saying he's a threat to himself and others or is this based on the initial stuff that happened?

    I'm glad your little ones are better.  As for your brother, I think maybe it will take longer to get  a true picture of what is going on.  I think a proper diagnosis would mean a longer study of behavioral patterns over time and since this is all new, it'd be harder to diagnose off the bat. 

    I know I've talked about my brother and his bipolar behaviors but he is also super genius smart too which makes his rambling more "Whoa, wtf!?" because he is way ahead of us in general.  When he was manic is when he was arrested, then they medicated him in jail and he was in a deep depression and the letters he wrote to me during that time were just absolute nonsense crazy.  Very scary.   He is okay if he stays on meds constantly though. 
    "But a lesson must be lived
    In order to be learned"

    Ani DiFranco, Manhole
  • maycausedizziness
    Posts: 193Member
    Sending you big (((HUGS))), I've been in your shoes and know how hard it is. Just remember to take care of yourself too :)
  • chaosmomchaosmom
    Posts: 3,846Member
    It really does sound like he is in a hypermanic state right now. Those can be tough to get out of. The meds for bipolar are hit & miss & it can be difficult to stablize. We are 9 months into treating my son & still haven't found the right combo. Adults tend to be easier to treat though. I'm with you...I think it is way too early to try to diagnose ADHD. And just be warned, normally when a bipolar comes out of mania, they tend to crash into depression. It is the brain's way of trying to recover. Just hang tough honey. I know this is very hard for you. Hugs & love coming your way!
  • TorturedbyTWINSTorturedbyTWINS
    Posts: 1,163Member
    I'm scared of the depression end of things already.   As for the threat to himself and others... apparently this new found temper he has is a consistency.   He is very quick to anger and my mom seems to think he is on the border of flipping out.  He is extremely intelligent but he usually doesn't apply himself. It wouldn't surprise me if he really did invent a gas-less car.  I'm just between hysterical and numb because I feel completely helpless.  This is like getting hit by a crazy bus that you don't see coming. One minute he's normal, the next he time travels into the hospital dating a unicorn.  The downfall to this is on everyone's mind and depression that is equal to this manic scares me badly.
  • FoulMouthedSailorFoulMouthedSailor
    Posts: 1,893Member
    I don't have the expertise on this area of knowledge, but if he's in a constant state I would imagine it would be easier to treat. Being manic doesn't always accompany depression, and some times people just lose it for no apparent reason. I wish I was more helpfull in this area, and I know how it to feel helpless and the shitty feeling that gos with it. I can't say it will instantly get better, but eventually things will level out.
    You show the lights that stop me turn to stone, You shine it when I'm alone. And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
    And dreaming when they're gone.
  • NoMoreMonkeysNoMoreMonkeys
    Posts: 533Member
    I have been out of the loop for a bit, but I work mental health and would like to put in my 2¢. It sounds to me like bi polar disorder with psychosis. Paranoia and delusions are not uncommon in hypermanic states. I hope that is meds work and that he will stay on them. Hippa is very strict with psych patients. If you have questions, pm me. Not a Dr, but have worked psycho a long time.
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