Learning about Schizophrenia

Hi Tim. Welcome to this site. Here is a little biography of myself. I was first diagnosed with a type of schizophrenia called schizoaffective disorder in 1983 right after finishing college. Schizoaffective disorder is a type of schizophrenia that also includes a mood disorder. Since 1983 I have been hospitalized 5 different times with the last being in 1997. Some of my symptoms were I heard voices, had delusions and also suffered from depression. I am now 49 years old and am happy to say I am the most stable I have ever been. I currently take an antipsychotic medication called Seroquel and take a pill for an inactive thyroid. I could go on and on but for now that Is all I want to say. Perhaps later I could tell you a little more about my life.

I was first diagnosed in 1980. I was 17. I was hearing voices, I became delusional. I thought that I was a prophet. The voices told me I could read minds, start fires with my mind, move objects. I have been dealing with voices for the last 29 years. I've been in and out of hospitals for the 29 years. The longest time I stayed out of a hospital was 7 years. I've been on almost every med to date. I currently take a cocktail of 5. I get routine ECT's as well. While in the hospitals I had alot of good staff take the time to teach me life lessons. I am currently married to a great woman. She's my biggest support. I have always pushed myself to succeed. I have drive and determination. I write on this site as well as a personal blog. I am retired at the young age of 46. I was fortunate to have had a good work history. I get my pension and SSD. I like to write. My passion is helping others.

If you need any more information feel free to email me.

Thank you,

Dave

Hello Tim23,

First of all, it is possible to recover.  I urge you to read my profile, and other people's profiles and SharePosts.

SZ never goes away, even though it can remit.  The medication can keep the symptoms at bay.  A person can have a long stretch of relative calm.  Then there can be new or residual symptoms that pop up.  As someone I know is quoted [and I agree], the schizophrenia mutates over the years and changes form.

Some people will have ongoing struggle; others will have mild disruptions every so often; some people will need to be hospitalized often; others will stay out of the hospital for the rest of their lives.

So you see there is a wide variety of outcomes within the syndrome of SZ.

Will sign off now.  If I think of anything else, I'll write back.

Best regards,

Christina