Panic Attack Causes Emergency Trip To Mental Health Today

[betrayed]

After reading the article about the faulty stents I had a anxiety attack which caused a panic attack, I drove to the VAMC and saw my shrink. He wants me to check in for a "few days" any advice. No beds available today, have to wait till monday or tuesday.........

[john999]

EED stands for earlier effective date. That's VA lingo but it sounds like ED which is medical lingo.

[Pete53]

Giving your spouse Medical Power of Attorney will make it easier for to be kept informed of your progress. Like John said don't check in on the weekend as you will just be marking time.

Actually most of your stay will be waiting for things to happen. You will see some Docs and specialists early in morning and they will schedule stuff for you. If you need Dental Work it is a good time to ask if they cand do it while you are in Hospital.

Good Luck like I said before I think you can get some help from this.

[/color=#FF6666]

[betrayed]

So I have alot of anxiety about the pysch ward :D can anyone tell me any experience they have had?

Are rooms private?

What can you take with you?

What are you allowed to do? Move about the hospital freely or are you locked down.

Visitation by spouse?

Take books to read? I am thinking of taking some reference material about PTSD, would this be smart?

Edited September 30, 2006 by FLHRCI

[john999]

They usually keep a close eye on you for a day or two in the mental ward at the VA. You don't get a private room unless you are in restraints. You don't want that. It is pretty low key. The main problem I had was I could not get my pain meds because their was no doctor's order for them even though I told them what I was taking before I went inside. If you are not going in under emergency conditions you should be able to get things set up so you are not left to go cold turkey or something. After they determine you are not going to kill yourself or attack anyone you have pretty much the run of the place. A lot of people go inside to detox or to get their meds straightened out so it is not all people that are having breakdowns.

[betrayed]

The main problem I had was I could not get my pain meds because their was no doctor's order for them even though I told them what I was taking before I went inside.

I will make sure I put on a fresh duragesic patch before I go, I will talk to my Doc about my meds and the concern for continuance of all my meds.............do they search what you bring with you? Like a xtra duragesic patch? Do you have a place to lock up your belongings?

[carlie]

My experience at Bay Pines VA Psyc ward.

If your a good guy or gal, after the first 24 hours of admission, if the team of doc's

vote it's OK - then you'll be able to wear your own clothes, if not then you stay in VA jammies.

You would stand a much better chance of getting a private room if you were a female -- WHY, because there aren't as many of us.

There were two other females on the ward when I was checked in, so no private room for me either. I was admitted with a nice pair of Reebok tennis shoes,

I left in VA footies.

Yes, they checked out EVERYTHING I had in my possession and didn't allow visitors to bring me anything, including store bought treats.

I must admit at this point, I was Baker Acted by my PCP and delivered into VA custody by the Pinellas County Sherriffs Department.

In danger to myself and others - homicidal and suicidal.

Just prior to this I had gone and checked my mail box to find about five VA

denials - all in different envelopes with SOC's in most of them.

I grabbed my keys, threw my pistol on the front seat of my car and drove directly about 70 MPH to my PCP's office. Walked inside - without the pistol - there was my PCP with a big smile on his face saying - Hey - what's up -- the rest is kind of fuzzy herstory. lol

You should fare better due to checking yourself in.

carlie